Inner Strength Pelvic & Postpartum Wellness

✨Exciting News!

I am thrilled to share that my article, “Surviving Motherhood: Improving Health Outcomes for Women of Color,” based on my doctoral capstone project, has been published in the September issue of OT Practice magazine. 🎉

It has been incredibly rewarding to see the years of research and program development that I dedicated to this, come to fruition. My plan is to continue this work and expand the program even further! 💕

The article explores the occupation-based program that I developed for women of color residing in a community-based setting for homeless or abused pregnant/postpartum women. The program addressed the physical, psychosocial, emotional and environmental barriers that may challenge their occupational participation and ultimately their well-being and quality of life.

I hope it continues to spark meaningful conversations that lead to positive changes! 🤎

🤍Important Update🤍
My husband’s job is moving us out of Texas.
I am excited about future opportunities but it is definitely bittersweet as I will miss the friends and clients (also clients that turned into friends) that I have made here.

I do plan on continuing to see some clients virtually.

Houston it’s been real ✌🏾

🤍Black Maternal Health Week🤍

It is important to shed light and advocate for the critical public health issues facing Black mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. Black women are 3-4 times more likely to experience death due to pregnancy-related complications.

This topic has always been a passion of mine but after my own personal experiences coupled with those that I have heard from friends, family, clients and other providers it shows just how needed it is to advocate for change!

This is why, I chose to start a program for this population to address health disparities caused by systemic barriers such as access to equitable quality care and advocate for Black moms to be heard when reporting concerns and pain.

It is imperative that we address these concerns so that all women can engage in meaningful occupations (activities of daily life) leading to improved well-being and quality of life.

🗓 Schedule Your Free Consultation Now!
Are you curious about how you could benefit from our services? Not sure if pelvic floor therapy is right for you?

The first step is easy – schedule your complimentary consultation today! During this personalized session, we will go over your unique concerns, answer any questions you may have, and provide insights tailored to your specific situation. 💕

Our Approach: We use a holistic approach combining physical and mental wellness techniques while providing personalized support and encouragement! 💕

To book:
    🤍    Visit the link in our bio
    🤍 Visit our website www.innerstrengthpostpartum.com
    🤍 Email: [email protected]

What’s just-in-case p*eing? And why should we avoid it?

Sometimes, we tell ourselves that we need to go to the bathroom before we leave the house, or before we leave the office …just-in-case. Or maybe we have a break during the day and we tell ourselves we need to go just in case we don’t have the time to go later. Sound familiar?

Just-case-p*eing is a habit that can lead to p*eing when your bladder is not full. This can lead to the connection between the brain and bladder being negatively impacted. Our brains get used to our bladder needing to be emptied before it is full which can contribute to false urges. This can lead to weakened muscles, leaking, or frequent trips to the bathroom. 💦🚽

And these symptoms can also start to impact our anxiety leading to stress surrounding finding a bathroom or feelings of embarrassment if we need to go too often while in public.

Good news! If you have had these concerns, the bladder can be retrained. 🤍

Schedule a free 15 minute consult to see how we can help! Link in bio!

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Perimenopause is the transitional phase that occurs before menopause. This typically happens in your 40’s however it can start as early as your mid-late 30’s. Menopause occurs when you have had 12 months of no periods. The average age for menopause is 51 however it can happen earlier or later. Due to fluctuating hormones both peri menopause and menopause may result in a variety of symptoms. Some of the symptoms include:

💕Low libido
🤍Vaginal dryness
💕Depression
🤍Anxiety
💕Pain with s3x
🤍Urinary urgency
💕Joint pain
🤍Leaking urine
💕Recurring UTI’s
🤍Not feeling quite like yourself

All of these symptoms can be addressed with pelvic floor therapy. In fact at Inner Strength our strategy involves using both mental and physical techniques to address these symptoms including

🤍Movement techniques
💕Manual techniques
🤍Mindfulness
💕Routine modifications
🤍Coping strategies
💕Pain management techniques
🤍And much more

We address these concerns while using personalized strategies that include support and encouragement throughout your pelvic floor healing journey!

Want more information about how we can address these symptoms? Schedule a free 15 minute consult! Link in bio!

It’s been exactly 1 week since the commencement ceremony at Towson University. I have proudly graduated with my Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree!

Starting a business, being present as a mom and wife, moving to a new state AND completing a doctoral program all at the same time was definitely not easy. I couldn’t have done it without my close friends and family especially the support of my husband.

This journey allowed me to further advocate and do extensive research in maternal health. In fact, my capstone project focused on OTs role in maternal healthcare for women of color in underserved communities.

Eagerly looking forward to continuing to advocate for occupational Justice in maternal healthcare.

🇺🇸🎖️ Honoring Our Heroes 🎖️🇺🇸

As a wife to a veteran this day holds a lot of meaning for me. I want to send a special thank you to all those brave men and women who have served and those who continue to serve in the military. Thank you for your sacrifice, commitment and dedication. 🌟

Happy Halloween! While there are so many spooky things happening this time of year, the health of your pelvic floor should not be one of them! There is a stigma around talking about and treating the health of your pelvis. We recognize that this topic is sensitive and will help you navigate any of your fears.

Having pain with s*x, difficulty holding your bladder, bowel issues, or general pain in your pelvis are common issues, but should NOT be your normal. All of these things are treatable!

If you are having any of these issues or have questions about how you can benefit from pelvic floor therapy in your life, please contact us! Sign up for a free consultation via the link in bio! 💕🤍

Today is World Occupational Therapy Day! Occupational therapists serve our community by assisting clients in getting back to the things you want or need to do. We combine both physical and mental health to ensure that you are the best version of you, no matter what stage of life you’re in to promote health, wellness, and improved quality of life. As an occupational therapy based pelvic floor clinic, our goal is to allow you to complete your desired daily activities without pelvic dysfunction.

This includes:
💕 S*x and intimacy
🤍 Child rearing
💕 Bathroom Habits
🤍 Exercise
💕 Managing pelvic pain!

If any of these parts of your life are interrupting your routines, reach out to us and schedule a free 15-minute consult! Link in bio!

Vaginal dryness is a common issue that can affect many women. Reduced vaginal lubrication can seriously impact your day to day life including intimacy. Small tears from lack of lubrication may occur which can lead to pain and burning and may increase the occurrence of infections. But it does not just impact intimacy, it can also cause itching, soreness, burning and frequent infections even when not se*ually active. Some common causes of vaginal dryness are:

🤍Hormonal changes: fluctuations in hormone levels such as low estrogen while breastfeeding or during peri-menopause and menopause

💕Medications: Medications such as certain anti-depressants, allergy meds or cold meds

🤍Cancer treatment: During or after cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy

💕Emotional health: Anxiety, stress or overwhelming feelings

If you are suffering with prolonged vaginal dryness, pelvic floor therapy can help ease some of your symptoms and provide you with skills and strategies to improve your quality of life! 💦

If you have concerns or want more information, schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation to see how we can help you! Link in bio!

Here’s a sneak peak of our October Wellness Newsletter!

In this edition, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we talk about how some common cancer treatments may impact your pelvic floor health. We also take a look at bladder leakage.

Our clinic spotlight includes a reminder about our upcoming postpartum support group and we even have a Community Provider Spotlight this month!

Sign up now to get our Inner Strength Wellness Notes delivered straight to your inbox! Link to signup in our bio!

Pelvic floor therapy can help with so much more than just recovering from childbirth! Here are 5 lesser-known issues we can address by using our holistic, functional approach:
💖 Tailbone Troubles? 🦴 Sometimes overlooked, tailbone pain can make doing every day tasks challenging. Pelvic floor therapy can work wonders to addressing this discomfort.

🤍 Hemorrhoids? 🍑 Don't suffer in silence! Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with hemorrhoids making you feel much more comfortable
💖 Constipation 🚽No more straining! Pelvic floor therapy can provide you the tools you need to increase muscle coordination and function, making bowel movements smoother.
🤍 Pelvic Organ Prolapse 💜 Pelvic floor therapy can improve symptoms associated with prolapse by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and providing you with necessary tools
💖 Post-Hysterectomy Recovery 👩🏾‍⚕️pelvic floor therapy can aid in a faster and more comfortable recovery to get you back to your routine!
🤍
The power of pelvic floor therapy goes beyond what meets the eye, bringing comfort and confidence back into your everyday life! 💪💖

Calling all pregnant individuals! This workshop will discuss both physical and mental activities that can be done during pregnancy to ease the transition to the postpartum period and the new roles associated with such. This will include resources about returning to daily routines, including intimacy, and the reduction of possible symptoms that may impact quality of life. The class will be taught by our capstone student, Meghan Blumenthal, and is open to everyone!

This is a free event, but RSVPs are required as space is limited. Visit and check out their website at www.heartofhoustonbirth.com and their events calendar to sign up. While you are there, check out Heart of Houston's other events and resources offered to new and expecting parents!

Yoga mats are encouraged but not required.

Hi my name is Meghan and I am an occupational therapist student from Baylor University! I am graduating in December with my doctorate in occupational therapy. I chose to work with Inner Strength for my capstone because of my passion for women's health and interest in pelvic floor therapy. I have a special interest in maternal wellbeing during high-risk pregnancies.

Fun facts about me:
✨ I was born and raised in Arizona, but lived in Dallas for the past 8 years
✨ Earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Texas A&M
✨Listening to music and spending time outside are some of my favorite things!
✨ I love teaching myself new creative hobbies, right now I really enjoy painting and crocheting

I'm very excited to work with everyone who comes into Inner Strength and continue my journey to become a pelvic floor therapist!💕.

We are excited to announce that Inner Strength will be in attendance at 2023 2K Skate for Fibroid Awareness Event! This event raises awareness for fibroids and holistic treatments to improve quality of life of individuals with wombs. 

Come visit us as we support and this cause on September 23rd at on 1820 S Dairy Ashford Road, Houston TX, 77077, just down the street from our clinic! The event runs from 9-12 am.

Grab your skates, bring your whole family, and register by September 22nd to join us!

We can't wait to see you and raise awareness for this important issue!

Register at www.herwombwellness.org

Have you noticed that every time you sneeze, cough, run or jump you may p*e a little? Or have you noticed that after you get the urge to p*e you need to race to the bathroom because it feels like you can’t hold it? Or do you leak a little on the way to the bathroom? Have you been wearing a pad all day because you know you will leak a little urine throughout the day?

All of those scenarios are common after having a baby. But….they can all be effectively addressed with Pelvic Floor Therapy.

Schedule a Free 15 minute consult to learn more about how we can address your leaking (even if its just a little p*e). Link in Bio!

Your Pelvic Floor is the group of muscles that sit at the base of your pelvis. It has 5 main functions and they all start with ‘S’!

🤍 Supports pelvic organs
🤍 Sexual function and participation
🤍 Stability during functional movements
🤍 Sphincter Control
🤍 Sump Pump

Pregnancy and childbirth may impact your pelvic floor muscles. Here are 5 ways pelvic floor therapy can help after having a baby:

1. Addressing urinary leaking. Whether you have stress incontinence where you leak after sneezing, coughing, or jumping or you have urge incontinence where you feel a strong urge to go and may leak on your way to the bathroom
2. Addressing sexual function including pain with in*******se
3. C-section recovery including scar pain or sensitivity
4. Relieving pelvic pain, lower back pain, or hip pain
5. Addressing diastasis recti (ab separation) Techniques and strategies such as manual therapy, targeted movement exercises, relaxation exercises, internal assessments are just some ways we can target your concerns. Our priority is getting you back to engaging in activities that you find meaningful.

Wondering if pelvic floor therapy can help with your concerns? Some of the common reasons to book an appointment at Inner Strength are:

🤍Pain or discomfort with in*******se
🤍Leaking p*e when you sneeze, jump, cough or run
🤍Recently had a baby
🤍Have c-section scar pain, sensitivity or a pulling sensation
🤍Have a history of trauma and also experiencing pelvic pain
🤍Back, hip, or tailbone pain
🤍had a baby and not feeling quite like yourself
🤍pregnant and interested in pelvic floor childbirth prep
🤍 Recently had a hysterectomy
🤍 Diastasis Recti (ab separation)

Have more questions about the services offered by Inner Strength? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation (link in bio).

At Inner Strength it is very important that all of our clients feel heard, supported, comfortable and empowered during every session.

Schedule a virtual consultation to see how we can help on your wellness journey!

In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight some benefits of pelvic floor therapy after a c-section. Seeing an OT after a c-section can help optimize recovery.

Some common symptoms that may occur are:
💕 Frequent urination
🤍 Lower back pain
💕 Hip pain
🤍 Pain with intimacy
💕 A pulling sensation, sensitivity, or pain at the c-section scar
🤍 Pelvic floor therapy can also address pain management as well as provide positioning strategies and tips such as the best way to get in/out of bed to prevent pressure or increased pain on the c-section scar site.

To learn more about how pelvic floor therapy can help with recovery after a c-section schedule a free 15 minute consult at the link in the bio!

At Inner Strength, we treat the whole person. We use a holistic, trauma-informed approach. Pelvic floor dysfunction and mental health are deeply interconnected.

🤍Difficulty adapting to the transition of motherhood? We can support you

🤍Avoiding your favorite activities due to urinary leaking (such as exercising or going out with friends)? We can support you

🤍Anxious about in*******se due to pain? We can support you

🤍Embarrassed that this is the second time you have had to make a trip to the bathroom while out with friends? We can support you

🤍Experienced birth trauma or have a history of sexual abuse and experiencing pelvic pain, urinary leaking or pain with in*******se? We can support you

Schedule a Free 15 minute consult to see how we can help!

Did you know that pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy can be beneficial? Some of the many benefits of receiving pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy include:

🤍 P***c bone pain (p***c symphysis pain), lower back pain, and hip pain can be very common during pregnancy. Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce these pregnancy related pains.
🤍 Preparing your pelvic floor for childbirth can help with a smoother delivery and can even help with an easier physical recovery after childbirth
🤍 Learn strategies to reduce stress, anxiety and overwhelming feelings during pregnancy. Coping strategies, mindfulness, and creating a postpartum plan are just some of the many effective strategies we can assist with.
🤍 Establish skills to increase healthy core and pelvic floor healing during the postpartum period.

Schedule a Free 15 minute call to learn more about all of the benefits of pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy!