Jen Torborg - Your Best Pregnancy Ever: 9 Healthy Habits to Empower You in Pregnancy, Birth, and Recovery (Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Series: Pregnancy Book)

So you want this to be your best pregnancy ever?

I want that for you too!

My goal in writing this book is to reach pregnant women near and far who have questions about what they should be doing for a healthy pregnancy, a better birth experience, and a smoother recovery. I hope that you will take away practical advice and a feeling of empowerment during this time of your life.

Im a physical therapist (PT) who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. I have my Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (CAPP-Pelvic) and Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy / Postpartum Physical Therapy (CAPP-OB) from the American Physical Therapy Association.

I live, work, and play in a rural area of northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior. I know all too well from friends and clients that it can be hard to get to appointments for preventive care or treatment due to insurance, financial reasons, scheduling, location, transportation, etc. It would be awesome if every woman could have a pelvic floor PT on her team during her pre/postnatal caresomeone who can help you through your questions about what is right for you as it pertains to how your body is moving and changing. Although I fully believe in an individual approach to each persons care and that no book, blog, or YouTube video will ever fully replace that, there needs to be more quality resources available, especially simple, easy-to-digest ones.

This book is written from the perspective of a PT whose passion is sharing straightforward, effective advice. My intention here is not to include an exhaustive list on everything you need to know during pregnancy. I aim to relate some very practical advice you can start using in your daily life right now . (Plenty of healthy habits are included in this book regardless of pregnancy status, age, and gender .)

Do this for me: While reading this book, imagine your best friend is a pelvic floor PT. That means she (or he, or they) knows all about whats up down there (bladder, bowel, sexual function). She can help answer the questions you dont want to ask your mother. Youre sitting down together, and shes about to share with you what she wishes you knew.

There are quotes throughout this book from other healthcare professionals to compliment the message I seek to bring you. Most quotes are originals given specifically for this book. Links to more information from these providers are in the resources appendix.

*This book does use cisnormative language. I am a white, heterosexual, able-bodied, cis woman and this is where I feel comfortable speaking from due to my own life experiences, although I do want to acknowledge that sex anatomy and gender are different. There is relevant information for all pregnant people in this book, but the subject matter and terminology is aimed at cis women.

Here are two quotes to start us off. Keep in mind these words as you read this book and encounter other advice along the way:

It can be scary and discouraging to watch your body change and grow in ways you've never known. Sleep is slight, you are aching in places you didn't know could ache, and your whole self is getting soft and round: something society has told us to avoid our whole lives. Know this, though, you are an absolutely stunning woman made even more beautiful by a healthy, growing belly. Own it. You are courageously giving up your body to a life you dont know yet. Your bodythe one youve nurtured and abused, the one you've loved and criticizedis building an entire human being. Its magical! You are magical. But this can be hard and overwhelming. Try to give yourself credit and grace for all youre doing when you dont feel like youre doing enough because you are a resilient goddess capable of unimaginable wonders.

Kelsey Lindsey, LPC-IT

"Pregnancy is magical time in a woman's life, which allows her to connect to and inhabit her body in a whole new way maybe even for the first time. An incredible wealth of healing, empowerment, and connection to Source (literally) resides in the pelvic bowl. Become keenly aware of the changes in your pelvis and womb space during pregnancy, birth, and in the transition into mamahood. This awareness will allow you to tap into the great power which resides within you at the base of your spine, at your core."

Casie Danenhauer, DPT, RYT

Throughout this book I hope to empower you in your ability to listen to your body and see what it needs. Ill provide advice about what you should be listening and looking for.

Your body was made to do this. You are a strong, resilient, powerful woman. Take this time to trust in yourself and gain confidence to having your best pregnancy ever!