In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. Victoria Adeeb, a pelvic floor therapist and founder of Better Body Rehab in Jacksonville Beach, to talk about something every mom needs to hear—that caring for your body isn't selfish, it's sacred kingdom work.
Victoria specializes in women's health and has such a heart for helping mamas feel confident in their bodies before, during, and after pregnancy. As a soon-to-be first time mama herself, she brings both clinical expertise and personal experience to our conversation about pelvic floor health, self-care, and what it truly means to steward the body God gave you.
If you've ever been told that leaking, painful intercourse, or pelvic discomfort is "just part of being a mom"—or if you've felt guilty about taking time to care for yourself—this episode will challenge those lies and remind you that you deserve so much better.
In this episode, we discuss:
🌸 What the pelvic floor actually is and signs of dysfunction every woman should know
🩺 Why "just do your kegels" advice can actually make some problems worse
✝️ How motherhood is kingdom work and why self-care isn't selfish but sacred
💪 Real stories of moms reclaiming strength and confidence in their bodies
👶 Victoria's upcoming early postpartum program for moms in weeks 0-6
Scripture Shared:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord." – Colossians 3:23
Mentioned in this episode:
✨ Better Body Rehab - $50 discount on first visit when you mention this episode
✝️ The Jesus Storybook Bible - Add this incredible book to your registry
📚 Christian Mama Birth Prep Library - Free birth prep tools, worship playlist & more
💕 Work with Me 1:1 – Virtual Doula Support, Birth Coaching & Childbirth Education
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message. Read the full show notes here!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Natalie Portman (00:50):
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm so glad you're here with ustoday.
Today I am thrilled to introduceyou to someone really special,
Dr.
Victoria Adeeb.
Victoria is a pelvic floortherapist and the founder of
Better Body Rehab inJacksonville Beach.
She specializes in women'shealth and has such a heart for
helping mamas feel confident intheir bodies before, during, and
(01:12):
after pregnancy.
She's not only an incredibleprofessional, but she's also a
soon to be mama herself, and shebrings such a unique blend of
clinical wisdom, personalexperience, and deep faith to
the work that she does.
Today we're talking aboutsomething that I believe every
mom needs to hear, thatmotherhood is kingdom work, and
we're going to unpack how caringfor your physical and spiritual
(01:34):
health isn't selfish but sacred.
I just know this conversation isgoing to leave you feeling seen
refreshed and reminded that youtoo are worthy of care.
Victoria, thank you so much forbeing here today.
Victoria Adeeb (01:46):
Natalie, thanks so much for having me.
I'm so excited to talk about mypersonal experience with
pregnancy, as well as drop someclinical knowledge for everyone.
Natalie Portman (01:56):
Yes.
I love it.
So let's dive right in.
What is the pelvic floor andwhat are some signs of
dysfunction?
So many women don't even realizewhat their pelvic floor is, so
give us the deep dive on that.
Victoria Adeeb (02:08):
Yeah, so I'm here to help demystify the
pelvic floor.
A lot of times it gets overcomplicated by social media and
by our other providers, butreally the pelvic floor is just
a group of muscles that sits onthe bottom of your pelvis.
It helps support all of yourpelvic organs, including your
(02:28):
bladder, your uterus, yourrectum.
It also plays a huge role incore control and movement, and
can also affect things liketailbone pain, pubic bone pain,
constipation, leakage, and allof these other common pelvic
floor complaints that we hear.
It can even be attributed tofrequent UTIs and poor breathing
(02:52):
patterns.
So even things that sometimes wedon't realize are connected to
our pelvic floor can really bestemming from a pelvic floor
issue.
They can be both weak oroveractive, and a lot of times
the advice that we've been givenis just do your kegels.
For some people that actuallymight be making their problems
(03:14):
worse.
So I really love demystifyingthe pelvic floor for people and
helping them know, how do I knowif I need strength or
lengthening?
How do I know if I'm even doinga Kegel properly?
How do I know if I'm using mycore properly?
And that's really what you learnby coming into a session with
(03:35):
me, either in person orvirtually, is just kind of
learning more about your bodyand how to use it.
Natalie Portman (03:42):
Yeah, it's so true.
I even do a pelvic healthassessment form with all of my
new clients so that they canjust get a sense of what is
normal and what is a sign ofdysfunction for the pelvic
floor.
I like to use it as a gauge forwhether or not I need to really
be informing them of pelvicfloor therapists in the area
(04:05):
because it is one of thosethings that because it's common
people normalize dysfunction.
And you'll even see thecommercials where it's like, of
a new mom and she's holding herbaby and she laughs or sneezes
and she pees herself and it'slike the, the commercial is to
just wear some pads.
(04:25):
And that is absolutely a bandaidapproach but that is not
actually addressing the issue,which women deserve better than
that, than to just put on a padand just say, that's a part of
being a mom.
Congratulations, because that'snot true.
Victoria Adeeb (04:39):
Absolutely, and I'm constantly advocating for my
clients in that way and lettingthem know that you may hear that
from a provider, unfortunately.
You may hear that from an OB ora midwife that like this is
normal, and especially duringpregnancy, a lot of people think
that the cure for your pregnancysymptom is to just give birth.
(05:02):
And your pain will go away afterthe baby comes.
Your leakage will go away afterthe baby comes.
Intercourse will get betterafter the baby comes, and
pregnancy is not a time for usto just kind of get through it.
You can really be thriving andfeeling happy and healthy during
pregnancy.
Of course everyone has adifferent pregnancy experience,
(05:25):
but you can absolutely starthealing your pelvic floor during
pregnancy.
You do not have to wait untilafterwards.
But some signs of dysfunctionthat people do tend to kind of
brush off are those kind of likereally common ones, like
leakage, or pelvic pain withintercourse, especially, I hear
a lot of, oh yeah, well I'vealways had pain with
(05:47):
intercourse, or, you know, I'mpregnant, so I don't expect
intercourse to be enjoyableright now when really that's
your pelvic floor asking forhelp.
Some other kind of sneaky onesthat people don't realize are
related to the pelvic floor.
It can be tailbone pain, pubicbone pain, constipation or even
(06:09):
difficulty moving around.
So say for example, you'repregnant, you're having a really
hard time getting up out of alow chair, part of that is
because you're heavier.
Your center of gravity has nowmoved.
Part of it is because you're notproperly using your core and
your pelvic floor, so you'rejust having a harder time moving
so you don't have to justsuccumb to the pregnancy waddle.
(06:32):
You can definitely address someof those things during and have
a much healthier and andpainless pregnancy.
Natalie Portman (06:39):
Yeah.
I love that you're giving thatencouragement that although you
might be experiencing things,you're not stuck in that and
that there's hope for women,that there's a better outcome.
And then something I actually amjust curious about, because a
lot of women do complain of painduring intercourse, but is it
possible that like at differenttimes of your cycle or different
(07:00):
times in general you can havepain or like different
positions.
And what's like the gauge ofnormal?
I get that question a lot andbecause that's not my specialty,
I'm like, I don't really knowhow to respond to that.
But what would you say to a momthat's like, I don't have pain
all the time, but just kind ofintermittent or it just seems
like at different times in mycycle or just positional?
Victoria Adeeb (07:23):
So I would say if their pain is positional,
it's absolutely a pelvic floorissue.
It can be either a tight pelvicfloor, an overactive pelvic
floor, or it can be pelvic organprolapse that can cause
positional discomfort withintercourse.
And a lot of times women willkind of not really bring it up
(07:44):
because they're like, well, Iknow what positions work for me
and I know what don't work forme.
There's two differentapproaches.
There's a compensatory approach,which is when we compensate for
what we have.
So a compensatory approach wouldbe, Hey, avoid this position and
do this position because that'sa compensation that works for
you.
The corrective approach is,well, why does this position not
(08:08):
work for you?
And let's now address what iscausing that.
So positional discomfort isabsolutely a pelvic floor
related issue.
There's typically not gonna besomething that's not pelvic
floor related unless there'slike every once in a while I've
met a mom who's had maybe like alaceration or a stitch or
(08:29):
something that's more of anobstetric issue.
Instead of a pelvic floor issue,but 99% of the time positional
discomfort has to do with yourpelvic floor.
As far as different times inyour cycle and different times
postpartum, our hormonalfluctuations can absolutely
affect our ability to enjoyintercourse.
(08:52):
They affect our cervical mucusand our cervical discharge, so
it can affect your lubrication.
I would say if you're havingpain at certain times in your
cycle, a make sure you're usinglubrication, no shame in it.
We should all be using it.
And B, if it is consistent or ifyou're postpartum, you're
(09:12):
breastfeeding and you'renoticing dryness, tissue changes
down there, talk to yourprovider about potentially an
estrogen supplement.
There's oral and topicalestrogens that can be used to
help with our naturallubrication and just kind of our
tissue's ability to toleratefriction and intercourse.
But yeah, both hormonal andpositional discomfort can be
(09:35):
treated by pelvic floor therapy.
Natalie Portman (09:38):
That's so cool.
Yeah, I, I didn't know that.
That's really fascinating.
So now that you are a soon mamato be, have you noticed a lot of
just changes in your own bodyand how has that kind of
informed the way that you'recaring for mamas now that
you're, you're going through ityourself?
Victoria Adeeb (09:55):
Yes, there has been a lot of changes.
You know, this is my firstpregnancy and it's been just
really beautiful being able towalk alongside these moms
through this phase of life.
I'm 35 weeks pregnant now, soI'm definitely kind of.
Through the majority of it andhave kind of had all of the ups
and downs that pregnancy canbring.
(10:17):
And it's, it's really just kindof humbled me and kind of
allowed me to walk in theirshoes.
And prior to this, I've alwaystold moms, you know, not
speaking from my personalexperience, but speaking from
the experience of hundreds ofwomen who I've gotten to help.
And now I can say, speaking frommy personal experience, and I
think it just connects you inthis sisterhood of of being a
(10:42):
mom of, yeah.
We've all kind of walked throughthat together.
But it's really deepened myrespect about what women's
bodies can kind of endure, whatwomen's bodies can kind of do
during pregnancy, and also hasdeepened my respect for my
body's ability to cue me in whatI need.
(11:03):
And I think what we need to workon during pregnancy and
postpartum is kind of thatawareness.
To take your body's cues whenyou're receiving them.
A lot of times it's difficultmentally to adapt to the changes
that your body is going through.
Sometimes you need to slow downand your body is telling you to
(11:25):
slow down, and it's hard tolisten to that.
But I would say kind of startingwith awareness and acknowledging
those types of cues and thenkind of adapting and, and
adjusting what my day-to-daymight look like has been very
humbling, but has also reallyhelped me relate to a lot of my
clients and, and where they'recoming from.
Natalie Portman (11:47):
It really is a totally different thing once you
have actually gone throughpregnancy, birth, motherhood.
You really do join this group ofwomen where I imagine like you
go to war all together and itjust brings you closer together
because you've all been throughthat struggle together.
Not to say like all of it is astruggle and everyone struggles
(12:07):
with it in the same way orsomething like that, but it is,
really sweet to experience itfor yourself.
Especially that first time whereit's like, wow, how have so many
other women done this and donethis multiple times?
Like, I remember whenever I waspregnant with Ellie the first
time and just thinking how havethey done this?
Because I had a ton of pelvicpain really, really bad pelvic
(12:29):
pain and it just hurt to exist.
And so I was like, how do peopledo this?
So you shared in the intake formthat you, you feel like
motherhood is kingdom work and Ilove that so much.
Will you unpack that, what thatmeans to you and how you've seen
God, you know, working that outin your heart and your mind,
(12:51):
especially as you're in thisseason of, soon to be
motherhood.
Victoria Adeeb (12:55):
Yes.
Oh my goodness.
I feel like there's so manylayers to that that have just,
these layers have really beenunfolding and coming to me
through prayer during thisentire pregnancy.
Most recently, what I feel thatmotherhood being kingdom work
means to me has been surrender.
And you hear this a lot duringlabor.
(13:17):
You hear this a lot duringbirth.
I'm not there yet, have not gonethrough that yet.
But even in this last trimester,like I said earlier, of just
accepting your body's cues toslow down, like.
I feel that I have really had tosurrender control in this last
trimester of what I'm going toaccomplish in a day, and trust
(13:42):
and accept the fact that God hasmy plan in his hands and that
he's gonna get it all done.
I know that this last coupleweeks for a lot of moms can feel
very nerve wracking.
It can feel kind of frantic of.
I need to get everything donebefore the baby gets here.
The fact of the matter is whenyour baby arrives, as long as
(14:05):
you have a car seat to put'em into bring them home, you're gonna
be fine.
And that's kind of what I'vebeen accepting in these last
couple weeks.
But the other thing that'sreally been present for me has
also been just kind of thisdaily obedience.
And really listening to not onlymy body, but what my family
(14:27):
needs from me.
So when you have a baby, theirschedule is very up and down.
When you have a toddler, theirschedule is very up and down,
and we're not here to put on aperformance.
Of look at me in this awesome,amazing sleep schedule I have my
baby on, or look at me in thisawesome, amazing, feeding
(14:48):
schedule that I have my baby on.
It's more about just beingobedient, showing up, being
present for your baby, andlistening to their cues.
And God put them togetherperfectly and made them exactly
how he intended to make them.
And so for us to try to changethat.
(15:08):
It is just, I feel that that'snot being obedient to God's
calling for us as mothers.
I believe that his calling forus is to just love and accept
this baby exactly how he madethem.
And to show up and be presentfor them and really do it with
all of your heart.
And in Colossians 3:23, it says,whatever you do, work at it with
(15:35):
all your heart.
as working for the Lord.
And sometimes as moms we'recalled to do it all.
Be the working mom, be the stayat home mom, be the great wife,
be the great friend.
But God blessed us with thischild.
So that needs to be somethingthat you do with all your heart.
(15:56):
And we do have to balance a lotof different things, but, but
doing it with a heart for theLord, I think really helps guide
us when, and helps us know whendo we need a setback?
When do we need to say yes?
When do we need to say no?
And just kind of surrendering tohis plan for that.
Natalie Portman (16:11):
That is absolute wisdom.
Victoria because we can becomethe mom we want to be whatever
like label you said the, thestay at home mom, the working
mom, the whatever mom.
those labels that we put onourselves are second class at
best being the faithful mom.
(16:34):
That is serving our children asunto the Lord.
And it takes a lot of intentionto do that because you get
really caught up in the day today, the constant list of things
and like it's all mental.
Like, okay, now we just didbreakfast and now we gotta get
this, and now we gotta do that.
It becomes really easy to forgetwhy you're doing all those
(16:58):
things.
I actually love whenever I getto read to Ellie before her
bedtimes before nap and beforeyou know, bed at night, and we
read the Jesus Storybook Bible,which if you've never heard of
the Jesus Storybook Bible,please get that or put that on
your registry.
It is phenomenal and it gives usan opportunity to just like
(17:20):
refocus, at least for me, ithelps me refocus.
I'm doing as a mom, and that isto disciple my children.
And, and then we pray.
And one, thing that I've beenpraying over her, you know,
every time I pray for her is Ifirst thank the Lord for her.
And I, I say, you know, thankyou Lord for, for Ellie grace
and thank you that she is sobeautiful and smart and kind and
(17:44):
funny.
And I just, I list all of thesebeautiful attributes about my
daughter.
And she gets to hear it.
She gets to hear me delightingin her But yeah, so then it, for
me, that's my like, refocus.
Like I get that kinda regroupingtwo times a day where I get to
remember why I am doing all thethings that I'm doing.
And I'm praying for hersalvation and I'm praying for
(18:06):
her to know the Lord and allthese things because you know,
that's the end goal to all ofthis is not to look back and
think.
I got my kid to sleep perfectlytoday and that's what made us
have a good day or we didn'thave any tantrums today.
So that's what made it a goodday.
Or we didn't have this happen,or we did have this happen.
And I think we, we have toremind ourselves constantly of
(18:29):
that because we do get lost.
Like we, we lose the forestthrough the trees kind of a
thing.
And so thank you for just thatwisdom and just praying that the
Lord keeps that close to mindfor you as you walk through this
new season of motherhood and,every moment you're caring for
your child, which again is theLord's work, but you know, it
(18:51):
also can swing to the other sideof the pendulum where it becomes
completely neglecting yourselfand completely thinking that you
only exist.
For taking care of your childand your husband and making time
for friends and doing all thethings.
And again, those are, those arewonderful things that the Lord
has given you.
But I, myself personally, and Iknow a lot of other women that
(19:15):
can swing to the other side, andwe do not take care of ourselves
and we feel guilty when we do.
I shared on one of the podcastepisodes for the mental health
stuff where if like I went to goget my nails done or something,
I felt so guilty about that andI'm like.
Why is it that I feel this way?
And I don't think, I think ofcourse we can be self-indulgent
(19:36):
in all the things, mommy, but Idon't think doing little things
for yourself like that is, is inand of itself selfish.
And can you speak a little bitto that because I know you're
passionate about that, of, youknow, allowing women to
understand that self care isn'tbeing selfish.
Victoria Adeeb (19:54):
Yeah.
Well, I think you kind oftouched on it, what you were
just saying about praying eachday, twice a day, recentering
your heart on the Lord and notfixating on, oh, well, we didn't
have any tantrums today.
So that's what made it a goodday.
It's about presence overperformance, and it's very hard
(20:16):
to be present.
If you're trying to pour from anempty cup and if you are just
stressed out and at your witsend and your nervous system is
not regulated and you're justfeeling fried, it's gonna be
very hard to show up and bepresent.
And for a lot of us who arebelievers.
(20:37):
Sometimes our time with the Lordis one of the first things to
fall to the wayside.
Also, our care for ourselves isdefinitely one of the first
things that falls to thewayside, and really what we're
trying to do is make your cupbigger.
So we're trying to make it towhere you have more capacity to
(20:59):
be able to care for your family.
To be able to care for yourlittle ones and to be able to be
present with the Lord and bepresent with the people who
matter most to you, and ifyou're not taking care of
yourself.
That cup is gonna get smallerand smaller, and you are just
not going to have the bandwidthor the tolerance to be able to
(21:21):
show up in the way that you wantto and in the way that you are
needed.
And I hear so many moms feelingguilty for taking time for
themselves, but then they alsofeel guilty when they snap at
their children or when they snapat their husband.
Or they feel guilty'causethey're feeling disconnected
(21:42):
from their husband'cause theyhaven't had a date night in a
long time.
And these are all things thatcan be resolved through self
care.
However, we need to get pastthat initial mom guilt that so
many of us feel.
But it looks different foreveryone.
And that's where I try to makesure that everyone has options
(22:02):
to be able to get taken care of.
So when it comes to coming in tosee me at Better Body.
I make it as easy and accessibleas possible.
I've got times from 7:00 AM to7:00 PM and everywhere in
between to make sure that workswith your schedule, you can come
in in person.
I.
A lot of people feel bad aboutleaving their kids, but they
(22:26):
also at the end of the hour tellme, this is the one hour that
I've gotten a break and thenI've gotten to actually focus on
this and I've gotten to actuallybe able to get something out of
this.
I do also offer telehealth forpeople who just can't get away
from the house or really feelbad.
(22:47):
'cause their little one doesn'thave a schedule, and so they
don't know if they're gonna beable to leave.
If they're gonna be in a awakewindow.
If they're gonna have to feed.
So.
Adding those options for peoplemakes it as accessible as
possible that way, okay, you'vemade the first step.
You've initiated and said, Iwant to come in for this care
now let me make sure that I'mmaking myself fully available
(23:09):
and holding space for you inwhatever way you end up meeting
it in that moment.
But I think it's just really,really practical and for some
people, self-care can look likerest.
And I'm coming out with an earlypostpartum program.
That's gonna be an onlineprogram for moms week zero to
six.
(23:29):
But the huge thing that I'memphasizing at the beginning of
this program is if this issomething you want to do, do it.
If you need to lay in bed andrest, do it.
And don't feel like you'refalling behind because you
didn't start your postpartumpelvic floor rehab immediately,
day one in the hospital.
(23:50):
It's not for everybody.
And sometimes rest can be justas fulfilling and can be just as
important as getting in to see aprovider and getting that care
started.
But yeah, I, it really does comefrom a place of being able to
hold space for your loved ones.
And you can't, if you're nottaking care of yourself.
(24:11):
The other thing too is beingable to keep up.
As moms, especially when we haveactive kids, we wanna keep up
and we wanna be there with them,and we want to live long healthy
lives with them.
So you start talking about thetoddler phase and you know, the
elementary school age and thingslike that.
(24:33):
These kids are going to jumpparks.
They have their sporting events.
You're on your feet all day withthem.
You're chasing them runningaround.
Being a mom is an active job.
You have to be able to keep up,and if you're not keeping
yourself physically well andhealthy, it can be very
difficult to keep up.
(24:55):
I had a mom.
Her goal was to be able to walkto the end of her street and
back without feeling winded.
This mom had not exercised in 10years and she was leaking at
everything.
She would sneeze, she wouldleak, she would laugh, she would
leak and.
(25:15):
Although the leakage wastechnically the symptom that
brought her in, it was reallyher longevity.
That was her bigger goal inbeing able to keep up with her
children.
And so we got her on a programand she did phenomenal.
And she has taken that programabove and beyond, and she's now
lost a bunch of weight and shefeels really, really great.
(25:36):
And she's able to go on longwalks with her kids and she's
got three kids and they're veryactive.
So she's feeling like she cankeep up with them better now,
and so she's more present andshe doesn't have to say no to
her kids wanting to go playoutside because she can't keep
up.
So there's the mental, emotionalside of it, and then there's
(25:57):
also just physically being ableto do the things that you want
to do.
Natalie Portman (26:02):
I remember a time when Daniel was a newborn,
like days or a couple weeks old,like something very, very new.
And I.
I had a vaginal delivery anddefinitely in those, you know,
first couple days and weeks,your pelvic floor feels like
what in the world just happenedto me.
And I remember because, youknow, I'm trained in the body
(26:22):
ready method and so I have someof that like pelvic floor
knowledge.
Every time I lift him up out ofthe bassinet in our room to like
nurse him in the night orwhatever, you know, always in
the night especially, I wouldhave so much pain.
When I would lift him up, justmy, my pelvic floor, my core,
all that just like felt off and,and I was like, Natalie, you
(26:46):
need to breathe out and engagethe core, sure everything is, is
nice and engaged, and then pickhim up.
And then as soon as I did that,my back pain, my pelvic floor,
my core, all that felt sosupported and every time I lift
him, lifted him out of thebassinet.
It was a world's difference.
So even something as simple asjust remembering to engage your
(27:08):
core before you do some sort oflifting or whatever, even if
it's your infant, it just goes along way.
And I can imagine where womenare just like, oh, well this is
just the way it is.
Like it just hurts when you liftup your baby or whatever.
If you're a mom, like you'resaying, you're chasing your kids
around, you're picking them up,you're putting'em on the potty,
you're putting'em in the crib.
(27:29):
Although they're not crazy featsof strength.
all throughout the day.
The constant need for your bodyto be functioning properly.
And again, we, that we deserveit, but that is.
That is just us functioning.
And so, yeah, to have theopportunity to do a program like
(27:53):
what you're describing in those,you know, very, very early
postpartum weeks, that isincredible that you're doing
that.
And can you give a little bitmore detail about that?
Is that a program that you'regonna be running constantly or
is it just a self-paced, likeyou can purchase the program?
'cause I, I know so many womenprobably are interested in
taking something like that.
Victoria Adeeb (28:12):
Yes, so I'm really excited to release this
program.
Essentially, what I envisiondoing is going through the
program myself.
When I'm zero to six weekspostpartum kind of talking about
it and going through it in realtime on social media so that
people can see what all itentails.
And then at the end of my sixweeks, once I've completed the
(28:35):
program, kind of releasing that,and it's gonna be a self-paced
program that you can purchaseanytime.
It's just an online course with.
Video resources, it's gonna havePDF guides follow along videos
for doing the exercises andthings like that.
That way it's kind of ano-brainer because the reality
(28:57):
is when you get home, you'reactive, you're doing stuff right
away.
And I try to encourage my mom,spend the first five days
resting.
Do not try to do too much, butyou have two kids.
And you know how it is,especially when you bring home
that second one your older oneneeds you.
And you can't just not doanything.
(29:21):
However, we do need to find thathappy balance.
Even if you purchase thatprogram, if you start doing
things and things don't feelright and you're having pain,
first step is awareness.
Be aware that something is notright.
If you are experiencing pain oryou are experiencing heaviness
or pressure, or you areexperiencing excess bleeding.
(29:42):
Be aware and ask a provider ifthis is appropriate.
This early phase is so importantto know, am I doing too much?
Am I not doing enough?
And that's the difficult partfor most people.
The other thing that's reallyimportant, even if you purchase
this program and you're reallyexcited to get back to it and
(30:03):
you wanna start connecting toyour core, again, it's a gentle
program.
It's early postpartum, but ifyou need the rest.
Rest.
And even Jesus took time awayfrom his followers to rest and
be with the Lord and pray andreflect.
And sometimes in postpartum it'sreally hard to do that.
(30:26):
Your baby needs you and yourhusband is doing everything he
can and your toddler needs you.
But if you need the rest and youneed to set that boundary, and
you need to call inreinforcement.
So you need to call and help.
Have a friend help have yourpartner help and take the rest
when you need it.
And even if you've started thisprogram and you're on week two,
(30:49):
if you need to rest for a week.
Pick back up on week three.
It's okay, you're not fallingbehind.
And just again, listen to thosebody cues.
It starts with awareness.
And then don't be afraid to seekout resources from there,
whether it's calling a providerto ask your questions, whether
it's an online resource, likeone of these programs, or even
(31:11):
just a resource in yourcommunity and in your support
system, and asking for that helpthere too.
Natalie Portman (31:17):
Definitely.
And what I hear you saying isit's not a one size fits all
approach.
And really that's my heart as adoula because so many moms have
an expectation about what theirpregnancy will be like, what
their birth should be like, whatthe postpartum phase might be
like, and just grace foryourself in that and
(31:40):
understanding that things areprobably not gonna go exactly
the way that you expect them to.
And that's to be expected.
Like expect the unexpected andwhen things are not the way your
sister did it, or your bestfriend had it, or whatever, that
those things are okay.
And even like for me.
Pregnancy to pregnancy.
(32:02):
You know, the postpartum timesfrom from Ellie to Daniel were
very different for me because Ihad Ellie to take care of in
addition to Daniel when he wasborn.
And, and so all of thosechallenges were different for
me.
But, but yeah, I totally agree.
I mean, obviously.
I am, you know, in this birthspace, but especially like what
you're saying in the postpartumtime, to just have grace for
(32:25):
yourself.
If you need that rest, giveyourself rest.
And I like generally will say,you know, in the first five days
you wanna just be in bed, butthat doesn't mean you can't be
doing things to help your pelvicfloor.
And then the next five days youwanna be kind of just generally
around the bed and then the nextfive days around the house, you
know, so you're slowly kind ofeasing into your activity
(32:49):
because your body not only wentthrough just this.
physical feat, and so givingyourself grace and, and knowing
that everything is in a seasonand you know, if we were to use
like a farming analogy, cropsdon't grow every single day.
And we see our bodies as afactory sometimes where we
(33:09):
think, oh, well I was able to dothis yesterday so I should be
able to do this now.
And that, that's really toxic.
Especially when we're trying tokeep up with other women that
seemingly look like they'redoing all the things.
Which that's obviously a wholeother issue, but.
Yeah, I, I just love your, yourheart and your approach to this
and just the ways that you'reserving women.
(33:31):
If there's anyone that wants toconnect with you, possibly even
work with you, and they havequestions about their pelvic
floor seeking pelvic floortherapy, how can they get in
contact with you?
Victoria Adeeb (33:41):
Yes.
So I just first wanted to saythat I work with all sorts of
different women from all sortsof different backgrounds.
With all sorts of differentsymptoms, who have all sorts of
different birth stories, andeven a lot of women who haven't
had children.
So it's really important torealize that there is a place
(34:02):
for you at Better Body Rehab.
And if you're not sure ifthere's a place for you, I would
love to just talk with you andjust connect.
And if there's a differentprovider who's a better fit for
you, I'm happy to send you theirway.
So if you're unsure at all, ifyou.
Think you might have a pelvicfloor issue.
The best way to get in contactwith me is via my website,
(34:23):
betterbodyrehab.com.
There's an online inquiry form,or you can request a virtual
discovery call, and that wouldbe hosted by either myself or my
other staff therapist, Carly.
We both just love hearingwomen's stories and empowering
them to receive the resourcesand the help that they need, So
(34:44):
if you do decide to schedule adiscovery call, just let me know
that you heard about me throughthis podcast episode, and I'd
love to extend a$50 discount foryour first visit or even if you
just call and schedule, justmention that you heard me on the
Faith Over Fear Podcast and I'dlove to get you a discount on
that first visit.
Natalie Portman (35:03):
I love it so much.
Well, thank you so much,Victoria, for your time and your
wisdom This was such anincredible conversation, and I
know it's going to bless so manyother women.
Victoria Adeeb (35:14):
Thank you so much, Natalie.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm so glad you're here with ustoday.
Today I am thrilled to introduceyou to someone really special,
Dr.
Victoria Adeeb.
Victoria is a pelvic floortherapist and the founder of
Better Body Rehab inJacksonville Beach.
She specializes in women'shealth and has such a heart for
helping mamas feel confident intheir bodies before, during, and
(01:12):
after pregnancy.
She's not only an incredibleprofessional, but she's also a
soon to be mama herself, and shebrings such a unique blend of
clinical wisdom, personalexperience, and deep faith to
the work that she does.
Today we're talking aboutsomething that I believe every
mom needs to hear, thatmotherhood is kingdom work, and
we're going to unpack how caringfor your physical and spiritual
(01:34):
health isn't selfish but sacred.
I just know this conversation isgoing to leave you feeling seen
refreshed and reminded that youtoo are worthy of care.
Victoria, thank you so much forbeing here today.
Victoria Adeeb (01:46):
Natalie, thanks so much for having me.
I'm so excited to talk about mypersonal experience with
pregnancy, as well as drop someclinical knowledge for everyone.
Natalie Portman (01:56):
Yes.
I love it.
So let's dive right in.
What is the pelvic floor andwhat are some signs of
dysfunction?
So many women don't even realizewhat their pelvic floor is, so
give us the deep dive on that.
Victoria Adeeb (02:08):
Yeah, so I'm here to help demystify the
pelvic floor.
A lot of times it gets overcomplicated by social media and
by our other providers, butreally the pelvic floor is just
a group of muscles that sits onthe bottom of your pelvis.
It helps support all of yourpelvic organs, including your
(02:28):
bladder, your uterus, yourrectum.
It also plays a huge role incore control and movement, and
can also affect things liketailbone pain, pubic bone pain,
constipation, leakage, and allof these other common pelvic
floor complaints that we hear.
It can even be attributed tofrequent UTIs and poor breathing
(02:52):
patterns.
So even things that sometimes wedon't realize are connected to
our pelvic floor can really bestemming from a pelvic floor
issue.
They can be both weak oroveractive, and a lot of times
the advice that we've been givenis just do your kegels.
For some people that actuallymight be making their problems
(03:14):
worse.
So I really love demystifyingthe pelvic floor for people and
helping them know, how do I knowif I need strength or
lengthening?
How do I know if I'm even doinga Kegel properly?
How do I know if I'm using mycore properly?
And that's really what you learnby coming into a session with
(03:35):
me, either in person orvirtually, is just kind of
learning more about your bodyand how to use it.
Natalie Portman (03:42):
Yeah, it's so true.
I even do a pelvic healthassessment form with all of my
new clients so that they canjust get a sense of what is
normal and what is a sign ofdysfunction for the pelvic
floor.
I like to use it as a gauge forwhether or not I need to really
be informing them of pelvicfloor therapists in the area
(04:05):
because it is one of thosethings that because it's common
people normalize dysfunction.
And you'll even see thecommercials where it's like, of
a new mom and she's holding herbaby and she laughs or sneezes
and she pees herself and it'slike the, the commercial is to
just wear some pads.
(04:25):
And that is absolutely a bandaidapproach but that is not
actually addressing the issue,which women deserve better than
that, than to just put on a padand just say, that's a part of
being a mom.
Congratulations, because that'snot true.
Victoria Adeeb (04:39):
Absolutely, and I'm constantly advocating for my
clients in that way and lettingthem know that you may hear that
from a provider, unfortunately.
You may hear that from an OB ora midwife that like this is
normal, and especially duringpregnancy, a lot of people think
that the cure for your pregnancysymptom is to just give birth.
(05:02):
And your pain will go away afterthe baby comes.
Your leakage will go away afterthe baby comes.
Intercourse will get betterafter the baby comes, and
pregnancy is not a time for usto just kind of get through it.
You can really be thriving andfeeling happy and healthy during
pregnancy.
Of course everyone has adifferent pregnancy experience,
(05:25):
but you can absolutely starthealing your pelvic floor during
pregnancy.
You do not have to wait untilafterwards.
But some signs of dysfunctionthat people do tend to kind of
brush off are those kind of likereally common ones, like
leakage, or pelvic pain withintercourse, especially, I hear
a lot of, oh yeah, well I'vealways had pain with
(05:47):
intercourse, or, you know, I'mpregnant, so I don't expect
intercourse to be enjoyableright now when really that's
your pelvic floor asking forhelp.
Some other kind of sneaky onesthat people don't realize are
related to the pelvic floor.
It can be tailbone pain, pubicbone pain, constipation or even
(06:09):
difficulty moving around.
So say for example, you'repregnant, you're having a really
hard time getting up out of alow chair, part of that is
because you're heavier.
Your center of gravity has nowmoved.
Part of it is because you're notproperly using your core and
your pelvic floor, so you'rejust having a harder time moving
so you don't have to justsuccumb to the pregnancy waddle.
(06:32):
You can definitely address someof those things during and have
a much healthier and andpainless pregnancy.
Natalie Portman (06:39):
Yeah.
I love that you're giving thatencouragement that although you
might be experiencing things,you're not stuck in that and
that there's hope for women,that there's a better outcome.
And then something I actually amjust curious about, because a
lot of women do complain of painduring intercourse, but is it
possible that like at differenttimes of your cycle or different
(07:00):
times in general you can havepain or like different
positions.
And what's like the gauge ofnormal?
I get that question a lot andbecause that's not my specialty,
I'm like, I don't really knowhow to respond to that.
But what would you say to a momthat's like, I don't have pain
all the time, but just kind ofintermittent or it just seems
like at different times in mycycle or just positional?
Victoria Adeeb (07:23):
So I would say if their pain is positional,
it's absolutely a pelvic floorissue.
It can be either a tight pelvicfloor, an overactive pelvic
floor, or it can be pelvic organprolapse that can cause
positional discomfort withintercourse.
And a lot of times women willkind of not really bring it up
(07:44):
because they're like, well, Iknow what positions work for me
and I know what don't work forme.
There's two differentapproaches.
There's a compensatory approach,which is when we compensate for
what we have.
So a compensatory approach wouldbe, Hey, avoid this position and
do this position because that'sa compensation that works for
you.
The corrective approach is,well, why does this position not
(08:08):
work for you?
And let's now address what iscausing that.
So positional discomfort isabsolutely a pelvic floor
related issue.
There's typically not gonna besomething that's not pelvic
floor related unless there'slike every once in a while I've
met a mom who's had maybe like alaceration or a stitch or
(08:29):
something that's more of anobstetric issue.
Instead of a pelvic floor issue,but 99% of the time positional
discomfort has to do with yourpelvic floor.
As far as different times inyour cycle and different times
postpartum, our hormonalfluctuations can absolutely
affect our ability to enjoyintercourse.
(08:52):
They affect our cervical mucusand our cervical discharge, so
it can affect your lubrication.
I would say if you're havingpain at certain times in your
cycle, a make sure you're usinglubrication, no shame in it.
We should all be using it.
And B, if it is consistent or ifyou're postpartum, you're
(09:12):
breastfeeding and you'renoticing dryness, tissue changes
down there, talk to yourprovider about potentially an
estrogen supplement.
There's oral and topicalestrogens that can be used to
help with our naturallubrication and just kind of our
tissue's ability to toleratefriction and intercourse.
But yeah, both hormonal andpositional discomfort can be
(09:35):
treated by pelvic floor therapy.
Natalie Portman (09:38):
That's so cool.
Yeah, I, I didn't know that.
That's really fascinating.
So now that you are a soon mamato be, have you noticed a lot of
just changes in your own bodyand how has that kind of
informed the way that you'recaring for mamas now that
you're, you're going through ityourself?
Victoria Adeeb (09:55):
Yes, there has been a lot of changes.
You know, this is my firstpregnancy and it's been just
really beautiful being able towalk alongside these moms
through this phase of life.
I'm 35 weeks pregnant now, soI'm definitely kind of.
Through the majority of it andhave kind of had all of the ups
and downs that pregnancy canbring.
(10:17):
And it's, it's really just kindof humbled me and kind of
allowed me to walk in theirshoes.
And prior to this, I've alwaystold moms, you know, not
speaking from my personalexperience, but speaking from
the experience of hundreds ofwomen who I've gotten to help.
And now I can say, speaking frommy personal experience, and I
think it just connects you inthis sisterhood of of being a
(10:42):
mom of, yeah.
We've all kind of walked throughthat together.
But it's really deepened myrespect about what women's
bodies can kind of endure, whatwomen's bodies can kind of do
during pregnancy, and also hasdeepened my respect for my
body's ability to cue me in whatI need.
(11:03):
And I think what we need to workon during pregnancy and
postpartum is kind of thatawareness.
To take your body's cues whenyou're receiving them.
A lot of times it's difficultmentally to adapt to the changes
that your body is going through.
Sometimes you need to slow downand your body is telling you to
(11:25):
slow down, and it's hard tolisten to that.
But I would say kind of startingwith awareness and acknowledging
those types of cues and thenkind of adapting and, and
adjusting what my day-to-daymight look like has been very
humbling, but has also reallyhelped me relate to a lot of my
clients and, and where they'recoming from.
Natalie Portman (11:47):
It really is a totally different thing once you
have actually gone throughpregnancy, birth, motherhood.
You really do join this group ofwomen where I imagine like you
go to war all together and itjust brings you closer together
because you've all been throughthat struggle together.
Not to say like all of it is astruggle and everyone struggles
(12:07):
with it in the same way orsomething like that, but it is,
really sweet to experience itfor yourself.
Especially that first time whereit's like, wow, how have so many
other women done this and donethis multiple times?
Like, I remember whenever I waspregnant with Ellie the first
time and just thinking how havethey done this?
Because I had a ton of pelvicpain really, really bad pelvic
(12:29):
pain and it just hurt to exist.
And so I was like, how do peopledo this?
So you shared in the intake formthat you, you feel like
motherhood is kingdom work and Ilove that so much.
Will you unpack that, what thatmeans to you and how you've seen
God, you know, working that outin your heart and your mind,
(12:51):
especially as you're in thisseason of, soon to be
motherhood.
Victoria Adeeb (12:55):
Yes.
Oh my goodness.
I feel like there's so manylayers to that that have just,
these layers have really beenunfolding and coming to me
through prayer during thisentire pregnancy.
Most recently, what I feel thatmotherhood being kingdom work
means to me has been surrender.
And you hear this a lot duringlabor.
(13:17):
You hear this a lot duringbirth.
I'm not there yet, have not gonethrough that yet.
But even in this last trimester,like I said earlier, of just
accepting your body's cues toslow down, like.
I feel that I have really had tosurrender control in this last
trimester of what I'm going toaccomplish in a day, and trust
(13:42):
and accept the fact that God hasmy plan in his hands and that
he's gonna get it all done.
I know that this last coupleweeks for a lot of moms can feel
very nerve wracking.
It can feel kind of frantic of.
I need to get everything donebefore the baby gets here.
The fact of the matter is whenyour baby arrives, as long as
(14:05):
you have a car seat to put'em into bring them home, you're gonna
be fine.
And that's kind of what I'vebeen accepting in these last
couple weeks.
But the other thing that'sreally been present for me has
also been just kind of thisdaily obedience.
And really listening to not onlymy body, but what my family
(14:27):
needs from me.
So when you have a baby, theirschedule is very up and down.
When you have a toddler, theirschedule is very up and down,
and we're not here to put on aperformance.
Of look at me in this awesome,amazing sleep schedule I have my
baby on, or look at me in thisawesome, amazing, feeding
(14:48):
schedule that I have my baby on.
It's more about just beingobedient, showing up, being
present for your baby, andlistening to their cues.
And God put them togetherperfectly and made them exactly
how he intended to make them.
And so for us to try to changethat.
(15:08):
It is just, I feel that that'snot being obedient to God's
calling for us as mothers.
I believe that his calling forus is to just love and accept
this baby exactly how he madethem.
And to show up and be presentfor them and really do it with
all of your heart.
And in Colossians 3:23, it says,whatever you do, work at it with
(15:35):
all your heart.
as working for the Lord.
And sometimes as moms we'recalled to do it all.
Be the working mom, be the stayat home mom, be the great wife,
be the great friend.
But God blessed us with thischild.
So that needs to be somethingthat you do with all your heart.
(15:56):
And we do have to balance a lotof different things, but, but
doing it with a heart for theLord, I think really helps guide
us when, and helps us know whendo we need a setback?
When do we need to say yes?
When do we need to say no?
And just kind of surrendering tohis plan for that.
Natalie Portman (16:11):
That is absolute wisdom.
Victoria because we can becomethe mom we want to be whatever
like label you said the, thestay at home mom, the working
mom, the whatever mom.
those labels that we put onourselves are second class at
best being the faithful mom.
(16:34):
That is serving our children asunto the Lord.
And it takes a lot of intentionto do that because you get
really caught up in the day today, the constant list of things
and like it's all mental.
Like, okay, now we just didbreakfast and now we gotta get
this, and now we gotta do that.
It becomes really easy to forgetwhy you're doing all those
(16:58):
things.
I actually love whenever I getto read to Ellie before her
bedtimes before nap and beforeyou know, bed at night, and we
read the Jesus Storybook Bible,which if you've never heard of
the Jesus Storybook Bible,please get that or put that on
your registry.
It is phenomenal and it gives usan opportunity to just like
(17:20):
refocus, at least for me, ithelps me refocus.
I'm doing as a mom, and that isto disciple my children.
And, and then we pray.
And one, thing that I've beenpraying over her, you know,
every time I pray for her is Ifirst thank the Lord for her.
And I, I say, you know, thankyou Lord for, for Ellie grace
and thank you that she is sobeautiful and smart and kind and
(17:44):
funny.
And I just, I list all of thesebeautiful attributes about my
daughter.
And she gets to hear it.
She gets to hear me delightingin her But yeah, so then it, for
me, that's my like, refocus.
Like I get that kinda regroupingtwo times a day where I get to
remember why I am doing all thethings that I'm doing.
And I'm praying for hersalvation and I'm praying for
(18:06):
her to know the Lord and allthese things because you know,
that's the end goal to all ofthis is not to look back and
think.
I got my kid to sleep perfectlytoday and that's what made us
have a good day or we didn'thave any tantrums today.
So that's what made it a goodday.
Or we didn't have this happen,or we did have this happen.
And I think we, we have toremind ourselves constantly of
(18:29):
that because we do get lost.
Like we, we lose the forestthrough the trees kind of a
thing.
And so thank you for just thatwisdom and just praying that the
Lord keeps that close to mindfor you as you walk through this
new season of motherhood and,every moment you're caring for
your child, which again is theLord's work, but you know, it
(18:51):
also can swing to the other sideof the pendulum where it becomes
completely neglecting yourselfand completely thinking that you
only exist.
For taking care of your childand your husband and making time
for friends and doing all thethings.
And again, those are, those arewonderful things that the Lord
has given you.
But I, myself personally, and Iknow a lot of other women that
(19:15):
can swing to the other side, andwe do not take care of ourselves
and we feel guilty when we do.
I shared on one of the podcastepisodes for the mental health
stuff where if like I went to goget my nails done or something,
I felt so guilty about that andI'm like.
Why is it that I feel this way?
And I don't think, I think ofcourse we can be self-indulgent
(19:36):
in all the things, mommy, but Idon't think doing little things
for yourself like that is, is inand of itself selfish.
And can you speak a little bitto that because I know you're
passionate about that, of, youknow, allowing women to
understand that self care isn'tbeing selfish.
Victoria Adeeb (19:54):
Yeah.
Well, I think you kind oftouched on it, what you were
just saying about praying eachday, twice a day, recentering
your heart on the Lord and notfixating on, oh, well, we didn't
have any tantrums today.
So that's what made it a goodday.
It's about presence overperformance, and it's very hard
(20:16):
to be present.
If you're trying to pour from anempty cup and if you are just
stressed out and at your witsend and your nervous system is
not regulated and you're justfeeling fried, it's gonna be
very hard to show up and bepresent.
And for a lot of us who arebelievers.
(20:37):
Sometimes our time with the Lordis one of the first things to
fall to the wayside.
Also, our care for ourselves isdefinitely one of the first
things that falls to thewayside, and really what we're
trying to do is make your cupbigger.
So we're trying to make it towhere you have more capacity to
(20:59):
be able to care for your family.
To be able to care for yourlittle ones and to be able to be
present with the Lord and bepresent with the people who
matter most to you, and ifyou're not taking care of
yourself.
That cup is gonna get smallerand smaller, and you are just
not going to have the bandwidthor the tolerance to be able to
(21:21):
show up in the way that you wantto and in the way that you are
needed.
And I hear so many moms feelingguilty for taking time for
themselves, but then they alsofeel guilty when they snap at
their children or when they snapat their husband.
Or they feel guilty'causethey're feeling disconnected
(21:42):
from their husband'cause theyhaven't had a date night in a
long time.
And these are all things thatcan be resolved through self
care.
However, we need to get pastthat initial mom guilt that so
many of us feel.
But it looks different foreveryone.
And that's where I try to makesure that everyone has options
(22:02):
to be able to get taken care of.
So when it comes to coming in tosee me at Better Body.
I make it as easy and accessibleas possible.
I've got times from 7:00 AM to7:00 PM and everywhere in
between to make sure that workswith your schedule, you can come
in in person.
I.
A lot of people feel bad aboutleaving their kids, but they
(22:26):
also at the end of the hour tellme, this is the one hour that
I've gotten a break and thenI've gotten to actually focus on
this and I've gotten to actuallybe able to get something out of
this.
I do also offer telehealth forpeople who just can't get away
from the house or really feelbad.
(22:47):
'cause their little one doesn'thave a schedule, and so they
don't know if they're gonna beable to leave.
If they're gonna be in a awakewindow.
If they're gonna have to feed.
So.
Adding those options for peoplemakes it as accessible as
possible that way, okay, you'vemade the first step.
You've initiated and said, Iwant to come in for this care
now let me make sure that I'mmaking myself fully available
(23:09):
and holding space for you inwhatever way you end up meeting
it in that moment.
But I think it's just really,really practical and for some
people, self-care can look likerest.
And I'm coming out with an earlypostpartum program.
That's gonna be an onlineprogram for moms week zero to
six.
(23:29):
But the huge thing that I'memphasizing at the beginning of
this program is if this issomething you want to do, do it.
If you need to lay in bed andrest, do it.
And don't feel like you'refalling behind because you
didn't start your postpartumpelvic floor rehab immediately,
day one in the hospital.
(23:50):
It's not for everybody.
And sometimes rest can be justas fulfilling and can be just as
important as getting in to see aprovider and getting that care
started.
But yeah, I, it really does comefrom a place of being able to
hold space for your loved ones.
And you can't, if you're nottaking care of yourself.
(24:11):
The other thing too is beingable to keep up.
As moms, especially when we haveactive kids, we wanna keep up
and we wanna be there with them,and we want to live long healthy
lives with them.
So you start talking about thetoddler phase and you know, the
elementary school age and thingslike that.
(24:33):
These kids are going to jumpparks.
They have their sporting events.
You're on your feet all day withthem.
You're chasing them runningaround.
Being a mom is an active job.
You have to be able to keep up,and if you're not keeping
yourself physically well andhealthy, it can be very
difficult to keep up.
(24:55):
I had a mom.
Her goal was to be able to walkto the end of her street and
back without feeling winded.
This mom had not exercised in 10years and she was leaking at
everything.
She would sneeze, she wouldleak, she would laugh, she would
leak and.
(25:15):
Although the leakage wastechnically the symptom that
brought her in, it was reallyher longevity.
That was her bigger goal inbeing able to keep up with her
children.
And so we got her on a programand she did phenomenal.
And she has taken that programabove and beyond, and she's now
lost a bunch of weight and shefeels really, really great.
(25:36):
And she's able to go on longwalks with her kids and she's
got three kids and they're veryactive.
So she's feeling like she cankeep up with them better now,
and so she's more present andshe doesn't have to say no to
her kids wanting to go playoutside because she can't keep
up.
So there's the mental, emotionalside of it, and then there's
(25:57):
also just physically being ableto do the things that you want
to do.
Natalie Portman (26:02):
I remember a time when Daniel was a newborn,
like days or a couple weeks old,like something very, very new.
And I.
I had a vaginal delivery anddefinitely in those, you know,
first couple days and weeks,your pelvic floor feels like
what in the world just happenedto me.
And I remember because, youknow, I'm trained in the body
(26:22):
ready method and so I have someof that like pelvic floor
knowledge.
Every time I lift him up out ofthe bassinet in our room to like
nurse him in the night orwhatever, you know, always in
the night especially, I wouldhave so much pain.
When I would lift him up, justmy, my pelvic floor, my core,
all that just like felt off and,and I was like, Natalie, you
(26:46):
need to breathe out and engagethe core, sure everything is, is
nice and engaged, and then pickhim up.
And then as soon as I did that,my back pain, my pelvic floor,
my core, all that felt sosupported and every time I lift
him, lifted him out of thebassinet.
It was a world's difference.
So even something as simple asjust remembering to engage your
(27:08):
core before you do some sort oflifting or whatever, even if
it's your infant, it just goes along way.
And I can imagine where womenare just like, oh, well this is
just the way it is.
Like it just hurts when you liftup your baby or whatever.
If you're a mom, like you'resaying, you're chasing your kids
around, you're picking them up,you're putting'em on the potty,
you're putting'em in the crib.
(27:29):
Although they're not crazy featsof strength.
all throughout the day.
The constant need for your bodyto be functioning properly.
And again, we, that we deserveit, but that is.
That is just us functioning.
And so, yeah, to have theopportunity to do a program like
(27:53):
what you're describing in those,you know, very, very early
postpartum weeks, that isincredible that you're doing
that.
And can you give a little bitmore detail about that?
Is that a program that you'regonna be running constantly or
is it just a self-paced, likeyou can purchase the program?
'cause I, I know so many womenprobably are interested in
taking something like that.
Victoria Adeeb (28:12):
Yes, so I'm really excited to release this
program.
Essentially, what I envisiondoing is going through the
program myself.
When I'm zero to six weekspostpartum kind of talking about
it and going through it in realtime on social media so that
people can see what all itentails.
And then at the end of my sixweeks, once I've completed the
(28:35):
program, kind of releasing that,and it's gonna be a self-paced
program that you can purchaseanytime.
It's just an online course with.
Video resources, it's gonna havePDF guides follow along videos
for doing the exercises andthings like that.
That way it's kind of ano-brainer because the reality
(28:57):
is when you get home, you'reactive, you're doing stuff right
away.
And I try to encourage my mom,spend the first five days
resting.
Do not try to do too much, butyou have two kids.
And you know how it is,especially when you bring home
that second one your older oneneeds you.
And you can't just not doanything.
(29:21):
However, we do need to find thathappy balance.
Even if you purchase thatprogram, if you start doing
things and things don't feelright and you're having pain,
first step is awareness.
Be aware that something is notright.
If you are experiencing pain oryou are experiencing heaviness
or pressure, or you areexperiencing excess bleeding.
(29:42):
Be aware and ask a provider ifthis is appropriate.
This early phase is so importantto know, am I doing too much?
Am I not doing enough?
And that's the difficult partfor most people.
The other thing that's reallyimportant, even if you purchase
this program and you're reallyexcited to get back to it and
(30:03):
you wanna start connecting toyour core, again, it's a gentle
program.
It's early postpartum, but ifyou need the rest.
Rest.
And even Jesus took time awayfrom his followers to rest and
be with the Lord and pray andreflect.
And sometimes in postpartum it'sreally hard to do that.
(30:26):
Your baby needs you and yourhusband is doing everything he
can and your toddler needs you.
But if you need the rest and youneed to set that boundary, and
you need to call inreinforcement.
So you need to call and help.
Have a friend help have yourpartner help and take the rest
when you need it.
And even if you've started thisprogram and you're on week two,
(30:49):
if you need to rest for a week.
Pick back up on week three.
It's okay, you're not fallingbehind.
And just again, listen to thosebody cues.
It starts with awareness.
And then don't be afraid to seekout resources from there,
whether it's calling a providerto ask your questions, whether
it's an online resource, likeone of these programs, or even
(31:11):
just a resource in yourcommunity and in your support
system, and asking for that helpthere too.
Natalie Portman (31:17):
Definitely.
And what I hear you saying isit's not a one size fits all
approach.
And really that's my heart as adoula because so many moms have
an expectation about what theirpregnancy will be like, what
their birth should be like, whatthe postpartum phase might be
like, and just grace foryourself in that and
(31:40):
understanding that things areprobably not gonna go exactly
the way that you expect them to.
And that's to be expected.
Like expect the unexpected andwhen things are not the way your
sister did it, or your bestfriend had it, or whatever, that
those things are okay.
And even like for me.
Pregnancy to pregnancy.
(32:02):
You know, the postpartum timesfrom from Ellie to Daniel were
very different for me because Ihad Ellie to take care of in
addition to Daniel when he wasborn.
And, and so all of thosechallenges were different for
me.
But, but yeah, I totally agree.
I mean, obviously.
I am, you know, in this birthspace, but especially like what
you're saying in the postpartumtime, to just have grace for
(32:25):
yourself.
If you need that rest, giveyourself rest.
And I like generally will say,you know, in the first five days
you wanna just be in bed, butthat doesn't mean you can't be
doing things to help your pelvicfloor.
And then the next five days youwanna be kind of just generally
around the bed and then the nextfive days around the house, you
know, so you're slowly kind ofeasing into your activity
(32:49):
because your body not only wentthrough just this.
physical feat, and so givingyourself grace and, and knowing
that everything is in a seasonand you know, if we were to use
like a farming analogy, cropsdon't grow every single day.
And we see our bodies as afactory sometimes where we
(33:09):
think, oh, well I was able to dothis yesterday so I should be
able to do this now.
And that, that's really toxic.
Especially when we're trying tokeep up with other women that
seemingly look like they'redoing all the things.
Which that's obviously a wholeother issue, but.
Yeah, I, I just love your, yourheart and your approach to this
and just the ways that you'reserving women.
(33:31):
If there's anyone that wants toconnect with you, possibly even
work with you, and they havequestions about their pelvic
floor seeking pelvic floortherapy, how can they get in
contact with you?
Victoria Adeeb (33:41):
Yes.
So I just first wanted to saythat I work with all sorts of
different women from all sortsof different backgrounds.
With all sorts of differentsymptoms, who have all sorts of
different birth stories, andeven a lot of women who haven't
had children.
So it's really important torealize that there is a place
(34:02):
for you at Better Body Rehab.
And if you're not sure ifthere's a place for you, I would
love to just talk with you andjust connect.
And if there's a differentprovider who's a better fit for
you, I'm happy to send you theirway.
So if you're unsure at all, ifyou.
Think you might have a pelvicfloor issue.
The best way to get in contactwith me is via my website,
(34:23):
betterbodyrehab.com.
There's an online inquiry form,or you can request a virtual
discovery call, and that wouldbe hosted by either myself or my
other staff therapist, Carly.
We both just love hearingwomen's stories and empowering
them to receive the resourcesand the help that they need, So
(34:44):
if you do decide to schedule adiscovery call, just let me know
that you heard about me throughthis podcast episode, and I'd
love to extend a$50 discount foryour first visit or even if you
just call and schedule, justmention that you heard me on the
Faith Over Fear Podcast and I'dlove to get you a discount on
that first visit.
Natalie Portman (35:03):
I love it so much.
Well, thank you so much,Victoria, for your time and your
wisdom This was such anincredible conversation, and I
know it's going to bless so manyother women.
Victoria Adeeb (35:14):
Thank you so much, Natalie.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com