Empowering Women’s Health: An Interview on Pelvic Care with Dr. Tara

In today’s interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Tara Morrison, a dedicated physical therapist who specializes in pelvic care for women. With a passion for addressing women’s unique health needs, she has built a practice that integrates physical therapy, yoga, and holistic wellness to support mothers through their journey. Join us as she shares her insights and experiences in helping women connect deeply with their bodies and improve their overall well-being.

Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a physical therapist specializing in pelvic care?

My interest in women’s health and pelvic health started early in my career, really back in PT school, when I first started learning about the imbalance of support and research in women’s health in general.  The first clinic I worked in 14 years ago was a general sports medicine clinic, but being the new grad, I saw a lot of the more challenging chronic pain clients that no one else wanted to treat.  I quickly learned that, while the tools I learned in school were great for sports injuries, something deeper was needed to address the complexities of more chronic health issues.  That led me into yoga as a medicine certification program, and the woman teaching was a young mom and really pointed out the lack of maternal care that existed.  That lit a fire inside of me, really wanting to understand not only the “why” behind people’s pain but also to be an advocate for women’s health.  I took my first courses on yoga for pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and postpartum yoga during my time in the certification program.    That led me into a 6-year pilates apprenticeship to really understand strengthening the deep core system while continuing to integrate lifestyle medicine, ayurvedic, and nervous-system based tools.  It was at the end of my time at the Pilates studio that I became pregnant and started to become more curious about pelvic floor work.  After having my first son, it was clear that specializing in pelvic health was the next step, so I completed a Functional Women’s Health Coaching program taught by a pelvic health specialist and started my training in pelvic floor care. 

What inspired you to start Inner Rhythm Wellness and focus on pelvic care?

I had known for a long time that I wanted to have my own practice and do things in my own “out of the box” way.  My clients were a huge part of this inspiration, seeing me as both a physical therapist and commenting on how I was so much more, too, how my integrative approach helped them far beyond their physical wellness, but emotionally and spiritually too.  As I dove deeper into nervous system work and trauma healing, the bridge between the physical skills and functional medicine tools I had gained and my interest in coaching, energy work, and spirituality started to blend together.  Inner Rhythm Wellness was born out of a desire to help women and mothers attune deeper within themselves and their inner rhythms.  From menstrual health and fertility tracking to the deeper rhythms and patterns that exist in ourselves and within nature around us.  To supporting the right of passage that is becoming a mother, the birth and death that seem to co-exist in nature of matrescence. I see pelvic health as playing an integral role in one’s deeper connection to self, ones ability to feel safe and at home in their body, and to be connected to their life force, creative, and sexual energy.  

For new and expecting mothers, what are some common pelvic issues they may experience during pregnancy?

Some of the most common pelvic issues that arise during pregnancy include pelvic, hip, low back, and pubic symphysis pain.  Additionally, during pregnancy many women first start to experience incontinence, vaginal heaviness, or pain with sex, especially if they have had a prior pregnancy, but sometimes in first pregnancies too.

The other main area of focus for my treatment approach during pregnancy is to prepare the pelvic floor for birth.  To teach women how to feel more connected to their pelvic area and their body during birth to help them be in that connected state where their body and pelvic floor can yield, vs. being contracted, in fear, or struggling to cope with pain.    Pelvic floor prep before birth can decrease pushing time, decrease the risk of tearing, and lead to a smoother recovery on the other side. 

What are some misconceptions about pelvic care during and after pregnancy that you often encounter? 

That the “pain is normal” and it will go away after the baby comes.  Some pain in pregnancy can be transient, but pain that persists should always be evaluated as it might be pointing to an alignment issue or mobility issue that could present itself during labor and delivery or that can make postpartum recovery difficult.  

Unfortunately, it is common to see women in tons of pain postpartum who were told it would just go away when in retrospect, so much of it was treatable during pregnancy. 

Some people also feel that pelvic care during pregnancy isn’t needed or isn’t safe.   In my practice internal work is only done once the second trimester has been done, and there is no internal work to the uterus.   The majority of pelvic floor work I do, unless indicated by pain that needs to be treated, is during weeks 32-40 when we are preparing the body for birth. 

That “kegels” are the best way to prepare for birth.  This just isn’t true.  Knowing how to properly do a kegel and connect to your pelvic floor can be beneficial in postpartum recovery, but what is more important for pregnancy and birth is the ability for the pelvic floor muscles to relax and lengthen.   And it’s much more common to see pelvic floors that are too tight vs. those that truly need a prescription of kegels, even in postpartum. 

What role does pelvic floor health play in overall well-being during and after pregnancy?

Pelvic health is Women’s Health.  The pelvic floor is much more than just a group of muscles that need strengthening.   Your pelvic floor is deeply connected to your nervous system, your voice, and your emotional health.     When you are anxious or afraid, it’s really common to clench the pelvic floor as a protective response.   In general, if you have a hard time surrendering and really like to be in control, there is often tightness or gripping around the back, pelvic floor and anus.  We can hold emotional imprints and trauma in the pelvic bowl and floor far after the event. 

The pelvic floor is also a diaphragm.  It works with your respiratory diaphragm to maintain pressure in your core and pump lymphatic fluid, and blood, and support digestion.   And through this diaphragmatic action is where we can energetically root to the ground, to find a sense of center.  

So, not only is the pelvic floor essential for what’s traditionally thought of as “core health,” but it also plays a huge role in one’s connection to one’s core self. 

To me, pelvic floor health in pregnancy and postpartum has been one of the biggest missing links in women’s health as it plays such an important role in a woman’s transition through menopause and beyond. 

How soon after giving birth can a new mother start focusing on pelvic care?

After birth, unless there is pain that needs to be addressed, I recommend new mothers start at 6 weeks, when their bleeding has stopped or when they feel ready to get out of the house.  

What are some signs that a new mother may need to seek professional help for pelvic issues postpartum?

Every mother should at least have a pelvic floor evaluation to ensure proper healing and connection to the pelvic floor after baby. In many countries there is an automatic script for 8-10 sessions to focus on pelvic floor and core health.  I truly believe this should be the standard of care.  

It’s important that a new mother seeks support if she is experiencing pain (pelvic, pubic bone, back, hip, ribcage, neck pain), any incontinence (fecal or urine), experiencing any vaginal heaviness or building or is concerned around diastasis recti or feeling safe returning to movement. 

What are your top tips for new mothers to maintain pelvic health during the postpartum period?

• Reconnect to the pelvic floor early on through breathwork.  
• Pelvic floor health goes way beyond kegels, kegels can be helpful to reconnect to the core, but should be part of a larger strengthening program and not the only thing done.
• Take it slow. Listen to your pelvic floor and let it be your guide.  If you have heaviness walking or with activity, use that as your guide to rest or ask for support. 
• Don’t force activity because you feel like you “should be by now” or because you want your body to “bounce back. ” Your body needs to heal first, and to do that, it needs rest.   
• The 6 week appointment doesn’t mean you are cleared to return to your prior level of activity. It means your uterus has returned to size, your placental wound has healed.  It’s clearance to gently begin reorienting to and relearning about how to live in your new body and build a new foundation of strength that will serve you for years to come. 

What are some benefits of receiving pelvic care beyond just physical relief?

Better emotional and nervous system regulation, feeling more grounded, increased pleasure with sex, decreased discomfort with periods, improved fertility, a deeper connection to yourself, and increased confidence. 

What does a typical pelvic care session look like at your clinic?

The initial session is 90 minutes long and includes an energetic assessment, a physical assessment of posture, strength, and biomechanics, an assessment of pelvic bone alignment, and, if indicated for the first session, an internal assessment. 

Follow-up sessions are 75 minutes and customized for the client. They may include internal pelvic floor release work, somatic coaching, birth trauma integration, energy work, core/hip/full-body strengthening, and retraining of movement patterns. 

My goal is to meet each client where they are at, listen to where the body is guiding treatment, and integrate the client’s goals for the session. Each session is personalized to the client, and every person’s journey is unique depending on the birth they had, the type of support they are craving (more physical recovery vs. holistic/somatic), and their long-term goals. 

How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals, like doulas, midwives, or OB-GYNs, to support your clients?

I love collaborating with other providers to help clients have a more easeful birth and postpartum recovery. During birth prep, I really guide clients into connecting with their deeper needs and wants and help them communicate that to their doula team and partner. If the doula or referring provider has specific questions or concerns, I am always open to communication and provide follow-ups on progress or touch base after the plan of care is over.  

I also love having providers to refer to. Sometimes, I have clients come in who do not have doula support or who are not happy with their current provider, and having trusted referral partners to refer to is so important in helping clients receive the care they desire and deserve. 

Can you share a success story of a client who experienced significant improvement through pelvic care?

I just finished a session with a client who came to me with a significant prolapse of her uterus, heaviness during walking, and limitation of her daily activities out of fear of making her body worse.  She is 6 sessions in and just reported she went on vacation, walked, and carried her baby with no heaviness or pelvic symptoms.  And she passed her return-to-run test with flying colors.  

Another one of my favorite stories is from a pregnant woman whose first birth was traumatic, with a 4th-degree tear.  She had been in traditional therapy and seen multiple physical therapists only to feel like something was missing.  She was struggling to make the decision between vaginal and cesarean birth due to her tearing and was struggling with a lot of anxiety and fear around birth.   She felt really hesitant about making the leap to work with me and integrate the somatic birth story piece, but she trusted her gut, and the work we did was truly so powerful for her; it was the missing link she was seeking.  She had a beautiful second birth experience with no tearing that felt redemptive to her, and she has become one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters as I’ve grown my business over the last few years. 

What advice do you have for new mothers who may be hesitant or unsure about seeking pelvic care?

Pelvic floor and pelvic health are truly essential in a woman’s overall health. Even though many symptoms of pain and leakage are common and considered “normal” after having a baby, it doesn’t have to be their normal. It’s important to find a provider who will go slow, educate you on what they are doing and why, and be able to address any questions, fears, or hesitancies that you may have. 

How do you incorporate mindfulness or relaxation techniques into your pelvic care approach?

I use breathing exercises and meditations to help clients connect more deeply with their pelvic floor and body.  I also use somatic-based exercises to help with nervous system healing and regulation to move stored energy through the body and to help bring a deeper sense of calm and safety within. 

Can you discuss the importance of self-care for new and expecting mothers, particularly regarding pelvic health?

Self-care is essential for new mothers because, as the saying goes, you can’t give from an empty well.  Many new mothers struggle with prioritizing themselves and can often feel selfish or guilty taking the time they need for self-care and support. However, it is through these moments of self-care that a new mother is able to give more and have more presence and patience.  She is also modeling to her children when we are in the role of self-sacrifice or people pleasing, we show our children too that their needs are not important, and the generational patterns continue. 

How do you adapt your approach to pelvic care for clients with different cultural backgrounds or specific needs?

I always work within my clients’ needs and wishes for care. I am nonjudgmental and take a nondogmatic approach to care, even though my work is rooted in body-based spirituality. I guide my clients to connect to the resources within and outside of them that resonate with their beliefs.

Are there any technological advancements or innovative treatments in the field of pelvic care that you’re excited about?

In my practice, I see the integration of Somatic work into the pelvic floor space as innovative and necessary. In fact, I’m launching a training program for other providers later this year.   The pelvic floor is far more than just a group of muscles, and when we can expand our view on women ‘s health and pelvic care, we can truly begin to have transformative experiences inside of pelvic health support that guide a woman into closer connection and intimacy with herself and all facets of her life. 

How can partners or support persons play a role in supporting a new mother’s pelvic health journey?

Making sure that mom has time for self-care, including daily movement, nourishing foods, and time away just for herself.    Many moms struggle to ask for support, so offering, noticing when she seems tired or not herself, encouraging her to take time even if she feels guilty for leaving.   Giving her time and space to go to her appts and make time for her homework too.   And when it comes to returning to sex, take it slow, have open communication, and work together as a team. 

What advice do you have for mothers who may be struggling to find time for self-care amidst the demands of caring for a newborn?

Ask for support.  You were never meant to do it all alone.  See if a friend can come over and hang with baby while you do your exercises, or take a nap.    One of the biggest challenges I see is reaching out for support, but remember,  people want to support you, and it actually feels good to them to be able to show up. 

When baby naps, use the first nap or most reliable nap as your self-care time, not the time to do chores. This could look like getting more sleep yourself, exercising, or reading a book. Do something for yourself first every day. Then, when baby naps later, you can tend to the other to-dos. 

Can you share some resources or books you recommend for new mothers interested in learning more about pelvic health?

Tami Lynn Kent’s Books “Wild Feminine” and “Wild Mothering” are beautiful.  I also really love Kimberly Ann Johnson’s book “The 4th Trimester”.  

Where can people find you if they want to work with you or learn more?

My website is www.innerrhythmwell.com. I offer free 40-minute pelvic health consults, during which I am available to answer any questions or concerns, determine if I can support you, and determine if it feels like a good fit for us to work together. 

I love writing and sharing content, and you can find my blog via my website or check out my Instagram page at www.instagram.com/therhythmmama

Thank you Dr. Tara, for joining us in this insightful conversation about the importance of pelvic care for new and expecting mothers. We hope this interview inspires you to seek the care and support you deserve during this transformative time.

Thank you for reading this week’s post, “Empowering Women’s Health: An Interview on Pelvic Care with Dr. Tara .” For more tips on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood visit our weekly blog.