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MADGE AND MERCER MODERN APOTHECARY is excited to introduce a new series: MADGE MUSE. In this series, we celebrate a variety of people for their successes, expertise, differences, shared experiences, and inspiration.

A personal journey led to pelvic floor health

Dr. Sinead Dufour is an Academic Clinician, an advocate for women’s health, a mother of two, and so much more. She splits her time between researching and teaching at McMaster University in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences and the School of Medicine, as well as working as the Director of Pelvic Health at The World of my Baby (the WOMB) clinical practice as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. Her passion for improving perinatal care and general healthcare for women stemmed from her personal experience of becoming a mother of twins. She is an advocate for women’s pelvic health nationally and internationally.

How did you get started with pelvic floor health?

“I’ve been a practicing physiotherapist for well over a decade, I had gone on to do my Ph.D. in primary health care and was not really on the track of pelvic health or women’s health at all until I got pregnant myself with twins. Through my own journey after having my twins, it was so apparent to me that there were a lot of gaps and misconceptions that streamed from our healthcare system to our fitness care system that really left women without the tools or resources to stay well informed from a pelvic health standpoint. This journey ultimately made me passionate to develop expertise in this area.”

What is your pelvic floor?

“Your pelvic floor is a whole collection of different muscles and includes other soft connective tissues that weaves between the muscles as well as blood vessels and nerves. Everything that is at the bottom of the pelvis attaches to the tailbone at the back, and the pubic bone at the front, and to each of your sitting bones- kind of a diamond shape. A pelvic floor really needs to have the right amount of tensegrity (can’t be too loose or too tight), like a trampoline. It’s important to understand the structures that go through the pelvic floor: the front is the urethra, then behind that is the vaginal opening, followed by the rectum. The pelvic floor has a whole bunch of really important functions in terms of support like our continence mechanisms, and motor control, hence why it’s so important to be proactive about its health.”

What is something you’ve noticed about women’s health?

“Globally, women tend to have no knowledge of the structure called the pelvic floor. The curriculum pertaining to women’s pelvic health has dropped the ball. There is little to no information or education on women’s anatomy regarding pelvic health. For example, urinary incontinence is a huge pervasive issue across a woman’s lifespan. Only 25% of women seek help for this issue mainly because there is a belief in our society that these types of issues are normal, especially among women who have entered menopause or had a baby. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We have so many effective solutions for this and no woman should be living her life in pain or discomfort, the solution is usually really simple.”

Any advice you would give to women?

“The more proactive you can be, the better. The best way to really learn about the infradian cycle is to have a consultation with an excellent Naturopathic Doctor and the best person to really understand the pelvic floor would be a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. General Practitioners have almost no knowledge of pelvic health. Take things into your own hands and get knowledgeable as a healthcare consumer.”

How common are pelvic health concerns?

“Pelvic health concerns are super common. Look for signs such as needing to pee frequently (in intervals less than 2-4 hours), leaking urine, bowels aren’t moving well or easily, painful periods, pelvic pressure, painful intercourse, and more. Get connected with someone to help you get on the right path. If you’re not sure who to see, visit a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and they will either find a solution or point you in the right direction.

Bladder incontinence is much more common after a baby. The more interventions used in birth, the more likely you are to have incontinence. If there is an injury/trauma (like childbirth) we need to rehabilitate it. Be health-promotive. Get fit for pregnancy and stay active. Menopause can be another trigger because estrogen drops but there are solutions.”

What does The WOMB do for women?

“The WOMB is a place of origin, growth, and love. It is a gathering space and wholeness centre that nurtures and nourishes families to flourish by providing and inspiring community and connection. The WOMB provides whole health care, education, fitness and products on the journey through conscious creation, informed pregnancy, mindful birth, parenting and self-growth. 

Even though pelvic floor challenges are common, they are treatable and you should not have to live with them. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can help you regain control, maximize function and recovery, and improve your well-being.”

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Follow Dr. Sinead Dufour on Instagram: @dr.sinead