Hem Spotlight: Erica T.
A huge part of our mission at Hem Support Wear is to normalize the conversation about pelvic floor health and build a community of support. Many people who experience prolapse or other pelvic floor conditions feel confused, isolated, or hopeless, and we believe it shouldn’t be that way.
Welcome to another installment of our series Hem Spotlight, where we feature real people and their pelvic floor health stories. Our hope is that by providing a platform for people to openly share their journeys, we will all feel less alone, more connected, and more empowered.
The following story comes from Erica, a mother of three, living in Texas.
Tell us about your experience with POP. You are welcome to share as much or as little of your story as you are comfortable with.
I gave birth to my 4th baby and pretty early on kept saying something didn’t feel right. I mentioned it at my midwife checkups and then was encouraged to be evaluated by a pelvic floor PT and she’s the one who gave a name to what I was feeling...pelvic organ prolapse.
The heaviness and pressure postpartum was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I could hardly walk from the front door to the mailbox without a lot of very uncomfortable pressure. I’m so blessed that I have teenagers who could help me carry things when out and about. Through pelvic bodywork and pelvic floor PT, in addition to time and taking care of myself, I’ve had a lot of healing but it has been a slow journey.
Do you have any advice or words of comfort/encouragement/hope you’d like to give someone who may be at the beginning of their POP journey?
It can take time, but it can get better without surgery. A year ago I couldn’t grocery shop because the thought of carrying my baby into the store and back to the car was so overwhelming. I’m 22 months postpartum now and I grocery shop. I go for walks. I carry my toddler whenever he asks. And I’ve just started strength training again. It took a lot more time than I would have hoped but I’m very proud of the work and healing that I’ve accomplished!
What are your favorite pelvic health resources (online, in person, etc.) if you have any?
I am so blessed that I live within driving distance to a bodywork place called Kekino. There is a therapist there, named Megan, who has been an integral part of my healing journey. She provides pelvic bodywork, womb attunement and myofascial work in addition to trauma work. I joke that it’s like going for a massage and counseling with a dear friend all rolled into one.
I’ve been so amazed by the care I receive at Kekino. Another resource that has been helpful is pelvic floor physical therapy. I’ve seen a couple therapists at Genesis Wellness and PT and they have helped me learn to support those pelvic floor muscles and how to support my body while I get back to exercise. My therapist Ally is so supportive and encouraging. I follow on IG all of the Genesis therapists and have found following pelvic floor PT’s and pelvic floor healers has provided such a wealth of information just in ”scrolling social media”.
Pictured: Dr. Ally Loupe - Pelvic Floor PT at Genesis Wellness
How can we, as the Hem Support Wear community, be a source of support and connection for you or someone else?
I think just knowing other women are out there going through this journey is huge. I am pretty involved in our community and have never heard anyone speak openly about prolapse. I was shocked when I learned that was what I was dealing with. Talking with people like me who are coming out on the other side of it helps, too!
I know surgery is there and touted as the “fix” but there are so many other avenues of care that you can try first--and maybe you can experience a measure of healing too. Our bodies are incredibly resilient!
What kinds of content/topics would you like to see us talk about on our blog and social media?
I think just continuing to share how to support our pelvic floor healthfully. One thing I haven’t seen a lot of information anywhere on is what pregnancy/birth looks like after you experience a pelvic organ prolapse. Yes, I’ve had 4 pregnancies over the last 15 years, but what about the women who experience this after their first and have concerns about a next child? And just reminding people that this is normal and common...I thought I was the only one! Seeing these practitioners who support women with prolapses every day was so encouraging to me. I’m not alone.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Healing CAN happen. There are supports -- physical like the Hem Support Wear garment, and in so many other ways. Our bodies want to heal and speaking to them and working with them in bodywork and self care, such as walking, can be a game changer.
At first that was my only goal--I just wanted to be able to walk with my baby outside. It was such a tiny goal that felt far away but with time and care and patience, it’s one I’ve met. This can happen for you too!
Interested in sharing your POP/pelvic health story as part of our series? We’d be honored! Submit your story here.
