We Go There Podcast

S9 | E94 Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries from Birth and Their Life-Altering Impact On Two Women

Trigger Warning: Birth trauma, Mental Health Struggles, Suicide, and Sexual Assault

SOLACE (Severe Obstetric Laceration Awareness and Community Engagement) is a non-profit that was founded by Caroline Stadler in April of 2023. Caroline sustained a missed a 4th degree tear from a forceps delivery when giving birth to her daughter in 2022. She struggled both physically and mentally as she navigated care for her symptoms and recovery due to a lack of structured resources available in the United States. Caroline was then joined on the board of SOLACE by multiple women who had similar journeys and medical professionals who were passionate about making a change in the awareness and after care of severe tearing.

Caroline and Sepideh Share:

1. While obstetric data reports a 6-7 percent rate of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI), looking at the ultrasound data shows that up to 40% of patients who have had a prior vaginal delivery have sphincter defects that were never diagnosed: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199312233292601 (Also: https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/uog.18827). In addition to OASIS, 20 to 35% of moms who have had a vaginal delivery will suffer from a LAM (Levator Ani Muscles) injury which predisposes them to prolapses and incontinence. While there are surgical and non-surgical options for both anal sphincter and LAM injuries, the success rates are low and women often suffer from symptoms for a life-time.
2. Vacuum and Forceps deliveries, especially forceps are major risk factors for an OASI.
3. Based on a recent survey by the MASIC Foundation in the UK, 45% of women with OASIS experience postpartum depression and 78% have traumatic memories of their birth experience.
4. An OASI (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury) has negative impacts on many dimensions of a woman's life. 50% of women in medium-term studies experience anal incontinence and 54% state that their symptoms are unacceptable and cause them to alter their lifestyle: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7093361/
5. Obstetric training for the diagnosis and repair of anal sphincter injuries is inadequate in the US: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/obstetric-anal-sphincter-injuries

Show Notes: 

For more of SOLACE, please visit  instagram.com/@solaceforwomenorg  on Instagram and https://www.solaceforwomen.org/   on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E93 Creatine and Female Health with Darren Candow, Ph.D.

Darren G. Candow, Ph.D., CSEP-CEP, is a Professor and world-renowned creatine researcher. He busts myths and breaks down the science behind creatine supplementation - specifically for female bodies. 

In this episode, we discuss evidence-based creatine dosing protocols to minimize unwanted side effects like bloating, and we dive into the impact of creatine on female bone health, muscle mass, endurance improvements in exercise and even brain health. 

Dr. Candow is the Director of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada. Dr. Candow’s research program develops effective lifestyle interventions involving creatine monohydrate and resistance training which have practical and clinical relevance for improving muscle, bone and brain health/function.

 

Dr. Candow Shares:

1. How creatine is beneficial to females
2. What is the best protocol to use for women starting creatine to reduce side effects like bloating?
3. How does it impact muscle mass, bone health, and weight?
4. What kind of improvements women can expect to see if they start taking creatine
5. Creatine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
6. Who should NOT take it?

 

Studies Referenced: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33800439/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37144634/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33557850/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25993883/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33759701/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33467377/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35688360/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35276903/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37368234/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30978926/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33670822/

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24766646/

 

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Dr. Darren Candow, please visit https://www.instagram.com/dr.darrencandow/ on Instagram

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E92 Beyond the Surface: Eating Disorder Recovery with Kyla Fox

Trigger Warning - This episode focuses on eating disorders and eating disorder recovery.

Kyla Fox is an Eating Disorder Specialist, Survivor and Advocate. As someone who severely struggled with disordered eating during her teen years, Kyla experienced the large care gaps and fundamental flaws in the treatment and recovery approach that prevent patients from getting the help that they need. Kyla has been filling that gap with her realistic and innovative approach to eating disorder management, treatment and recovery, and the creation of her outpatient treatment clinic, The Kyla Fox Centre. As a mother, Kyla shares tips for parents to ensure we are creating a positive and supportive environment for our children’s eating habits and bodies. Eating disorders are on a spectrum and we cover it all in this episode.

 

Kyla Shares:

1. Kyla’s story and how she decided to help others going through eating disorders and recovery
2. How someone can know it is time to get help
3. What do you wish would change in this realm of eating disorders? 
4. The psychological, emotional, and social factors that contribute to these disorders
5. Everyone’s journey is different, Kyla shares what this looks like in her centre
6. Tips for parents on how to raise empowered eaters

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Kyla Fox, please visit https://www.instagram.com/@KylaFoxRecovery  on Instagram and www.kylafoxcentre.com on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E91 Entrepreneurship, Law, and Being a Cancer Survivor with Andrea Henry

Andrea is a Cambridge-educated lawyer, entrepreneur, single mom of 3 and cancer survivor. 

In this conversation, we discuss Andrea’s incredible entrepreneurial journey, why she loves working with women entrepreneurs, and the incredible mindset strategies that have helped her to achieve her impressive success! 

You’ll learn how to protect your intellectual property in a very easy to understand and relatable way! 

Today, Andrea owns a multi 6-figure business with the goal of uplifting women to reach their financial dreams by harnessing the law at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

 

Andrea Shares:

1. Andrea shares what her journey, personally and professionally, has taught her
2. How entrepreneurs can use the law in their favour to build their business
3. Andrea is a cancer survivor, she explains how it feels being on the other side and her advice to others battling health challenges
4. Her experience as a single mom and how she continues to prioritize her goals and wellbeing

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Andrea Henry, please visit https://www.instagram.com/andreahenry.lawyer  on Instagram and https://www.andreahenry.ca/ on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E90 Debunking Pregnancy "Food Rules" with Marni Wasserman

When it comes to healthy eating in pregnancy, Marni Wasserman has a lot to share. She's a mom of two, nutritionist, and holistic chef. as well as the host of The Ultimate Baby Podcast and former co-host of The Ultimate Health Podcast. 

Marni sets the record straight on "the right foods" to eat during pregnancy and postpartum, busts some myths, and encourages us to use our intuition. She combines knowledge, passion, and experience to educate moms on how to adopt a real food diet and balanced lifestyle through simple strategies. 

In this episode, we discuss diet and supplementation throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond! Tune in to find out how we can navigate healthy eating for ourselves and our family. 

 

Marni Shares:

1. How to navigate all the decisions during pregnancy
2. Building a healthy mama & baby before, during and after pregnancy 
3. Eating during pregnancy - including controversial topics like sushi, organ meat, vitamin A, etc.
4. Best supplements for yourself and your children

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Marni Wasserman, please visit instagram.com/marniwasserman  on Instagram and MarniWasserman.com on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E89 Mama Psychologists: Not Your Mother’s Postpartum

Meet Chelsea & Caitlin. They are the founders of MamaPsychologists,  best friends, Registered Psychologists, and, most importantly, moms (to 4 kids aged 5 and under) who struggled significantly in the postpartum period. From a month-long NICU stay to birth trauma and postpartum anxiety—they truly have experienced many of the topics we talk about!  

 

They recently wrote a book entitled Not Your Mother's Postpartum Book where we deep dive into all the things no one talks about in the postpartum period. In this episode we cover topics from postpartum mental health, birth trauma, relationships, boundaries, and much more.

 

Chelsea & Caitlin Cover:

1. Perinatal/Postpartum (birth trauma, transition to motherhood)
2. Mom Guilt
3. NICU Stays
4. The “Mother Wound”
5. SO much more!

 

Show Notes: 

For more of MamaPsychologists, please visit https://www.instagram.com/mamapsychologists on Instagram and http://www.mamapsychologists.ca on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E88 Find Your Peak Performance with Mindset Coach Hina Khan

As a Peak Performance Mindset Coach and former Psychotherapist, Hina has been a student of the mind, human behaviour and human potential. She is someone who will help you challenge and explore the thoughts and beliefs that hold you back. Hina is covering what we can do to have more money, more time with our family, more resources to contribute where we want, and more… WITHOUT adding hours to our day. 

 

Hina Shares:

1. Things we can start doing today to get where we want to go
2. Why is it so important to focus on where we want to go - instead of where we are now?
3. How can we get the things we want while still keeping balance in our life?
4. How can we overcome self-doubt and take a step towards the future we dream of?
5. How can we manifest?

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Hina Khan, please visit https://www.instagram.com/coachwithhina/?hl=en on Instagram and https://hinakhan.ca/ on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E87 Cannabis - Busting the Myths with Emma Andrews

Description:  

Emma Andrews is a dynamic leader with 15+ years experience working across the natural products, sport nutrition, and cannabis industries. She is a media correspondent for the cannabis industry and has gained invaluable insights into all aspects of the supply chain and consumption experience. Emma has explored cannabis from every lens and is sharing the truth about cannabis use, not only from the perspective of an industry expert, but also from the perspective of a mom and athlete. 

 From THC to CBD, we talk about what may work for you. Emma candidly discusses cannabis in pregnancy, breastfeeding, sports, and more, Tune in for all the details!

 

Emma Shares:

1. When and why did you start using cannabis?
2. What health benefits are there from cannabis use? 
3. What are the trends around cannabis consumption? 
4. What are your thoughts on the stigma surrounding cannabis for some? How have you overcome that?
5. How did you become a cannabis advocate? What personally made you feel so passionate? 
6. What are some myths around cannabis you’d like to bust?
7. What advice do you have for someone who would like to explore cannabis?

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Emma Andrews, please visit  https://www.instagram.com/emma.exhales/  on Instagram and www.emmajaneandrews.com on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E86 Trauma Informed Care with Dr. Heather Millar

Dr. Millar is working to train other birth providers on how to offer trauma-informed care. Pap smears, pelvic exams, IUD insertions, surgeries, and childbirth are all complex and often deeply vulnerable moments for a patient. Step one is ensuring that the patient's background and trauma history are recognized, and then working to enhance the experience for all those who feel uncomfortable during these times should be essential. We cover it all in this episode! We even cover tips on how you can have the best experience even if your doctor isn’t trauma-informed.  

Dr. Heather Millar’s trauma-informed care work began around the goal of improving the sexual and reproductive health of marginalized girls and young women, both locally and internationally. She is particularly interested in innovative approaches to prevention and care in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for this high-risk group, including inter-disciplinary collaboration and community partnership.

 

Dr. Millar Shares:

1. Dr. Millar's story and how she came to find this work of trauma-informed care within Obstetrics
2. Why is it important to have a trauma-informed care team?
3. How common are trauma-informed ObGyns? What kind of work do we have to do to get there?
4. Examples of Dr. Millar's work and how it has impacted her patients (story time)!
5. What questions can women ask when trying to find a trauma-informed practitioner? 

 

Show Notes: 

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

S9 | E85 Vaginal Weight Lifting & Sexual Power with Kim Anami

Kim has always been highly attuned to her own sexual energy + spiritual curiosity. She’s made it her life mission to help others use sex for deep personal growth. She’s a globe-trotting coach, national media commentator, and retreat curator with a book in the works, a bodaciously blooming business, and a collection of couture crystal and maribou dildos.

In this episode we truly go there with Kim discussing her journey to where she is today, the controversy surrounding her work, the concept of using sex to reach enlightenment, and so much more [including the heaviest item Kim’s ever lifted with her vagina]. 

 

Kim Shares:

1. Her story and how she got into this work
2. Why Kim thinks so many vaginas “are numb” and how she tells her clients to fix it
3. Kim’s teachings on manifesting with our vagina
4. How Kim responds to medical professionals who say that her practice of “vaginal kung fu” (jade eggs) can injure your vagina 
5. The keys to tapping into your sexual energy and power

 

Show Notes: 

For more of Kim Anami, please visit  https://www.instagram.com/kimanami/?hl=en on Instagram and https://kimanami.com/ on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*