“What’s Up Down There?” No for real! So much does go on down there and things are constantly changing due to our hormonal cycles. It is confusing as it is, but then throw in pregnancy, and then… post pregnancy… and before you know it, menopause. Yes our schooling and sometimes our parents told us how the machinery works earlier in life but they did not explain the nuances in the body, the natural rhythms that create our own original experience and the fact that we all have similar issues. This becomes clear although we all have our own unique privates parts with their own needs.
Then there is the “orgasm.” I learned that a large percentage of women don’t have one! What about you ?
Well, I am here to let you know that whatever you experience, you are not alone, and Lissa Rankin is there to let you in on the secret in her book, What’s Up Down there? I love how she gets into sexuality, and orgasms, and even sex in your 80’s in this book. I laughed out loud so many times reading about her experiences with her patients.
But more importantly this book shared information that I was unwilling to discuss with friends (and I can say a lot!), information that helps you to understand your body better, information that lets you know you know you are normal.
The message she conveys is get to know your body, love your body and enjoy your sexuality. So if I had to review this book, I would say this is a must read for all women. It is one of the current books of our generation for our sexuality. So go , get to know thyself better! As Lissa would say, “Let’s talk about coochies and boobs.” Read it and let me know if you got anything out of it

Barbara Salvador has been recruiting for 20 years both in child care and corporate career industries, and is a parent of 2 beautiful girls. She truly understands the search for the right nanny is a journey – from the perspective of recruiting to the very personal decision of who will become part of your growing family. Check out her website at www.nannymama.com

Pregnancy brings on many changes to your body.  When I treat women during or after pregnancy, many ask me about their abdominal muscles.  When assessing the abdomen postpartum, I always check for the possibility of a separation between the right and left most prominent abdominal muscles, the Rectus Abdominus muscles which run vertically along the abdomen.  Most of you know these muscles as the “six pack” muscles. This type of separation commonly occurs during pregnancy and has the medical term of Diastasis Rectus Abdominus.  This occurs during pregnancy as your baby grows and increases pressure on the abdominal wall.

You can assess this on yourself by lying on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor.  As you exhale, lift your head slightly with chin towards the chest and if possible lift the top of your shoulders off of the floor.  As you are doing this, place one hand with the fingers just above the navel.  As you lift up, your fingers may sink in.  If this is greater than 2 fingers, proper exercises are required and some exercises such as crunches, sit-ups and spinal twisting should be avoided.

Such a separation may be the reason you are unable to flatten the belly postpartum.  Additionally, it can cause back pain, increase chances of urinary or fecal incontinence (leaking), weakened pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organ prolapse.

One correction exercise that can be beneficial is a crunch with towel/sheet.  This is performed in the assessment like position, on your back with knees bent and feet flat.   Place a towel or sheet around your waist crisscrossed in the front.  Grip the towel in each hand and pull outward as you exhale and lift your head and top of shoulders, with chin tucked to chest.

Niva Herzig, MS PT, BCIA-PMDB is the owner and physical therapist of Core Dynamics Physical Therapy, LLC in Englewood, NJ, where she specializes in treating pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic pain (Vaginismus, Vulvodynia, Interstital Cystitis, etc), urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pre-natal and postpartum musculoskeletal disorders. For more information, visit us at www.coredynamicspt.com