Trigger Warning: Birth trauma, Mental Health Struggles, Suicide, and Sexual Assault

SOLACE (Severe Obstetric Laceration Awareness and Community Engagement) is a non-profit that was founded by Caroline Stadler in April of 2023. Caroline sustained a missed a 4th degree tear from a forceps delivery when giving birth to her daughter in 2022. She struggled both physically and mentally as she navigated care for her symptoms and recovery due to a lack of structured resources available in the United States. Caroline was then joined on the board of SOLACE by multiple women who had similar journeys and medical professionals who were passionate about making a change in the awareness and after care of severe tearing.

Caroline and Sepideh Share:

1. While obstetric data reports a 6-7 percent rate of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI), looking at the ultrasound data shows that up to 40% of patients who have had a prior vaginal delivery have sphincter defects that were never diagnosed: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199312233292601 (Also: https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/uog.18827). In addition to OASIS, 20 to 35% of moms who have had a vaginal delivery will suffer from a LAM (Levator Ani Muscles) injury which predisposes them to prolapses and incontinence. While there are surgical and non-surgical options for both anal sphincter and LAM injuries, the success rates are low and women often suffer from symptoms for a life-time.
2. Vacuum and Forceps deliveries, especially forceps are major risk factors for an OASI.
3. Based on a recent survey by the MASIC Foundation in the UK, 45% of women with OASIS experience postpartum depression and 78% have traumatic memories of their birth experience.
4. An OASI (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury) has negative impacts on many dimensions of a woman's life. 50% of women in medium-term studies experience anal incontinence and 54% state that their symptoms are unacceptable and cause them to alter their lifestyle: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7093361/
5. Obstetric training for the diagnosis and repair of anal sphincter injuries is inadequate in the US: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/obstetric-anal-sphincter-injuries

Show Notes:

For more of SOLACE, please visit instagram.com/@solaceforwomenorg on Instagram and https://www.solaceforwomen.org/ on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

Darren G. Candow, Ph.D., CSEP-CEP, is a Professor and world-renowned creatine researcher. He busts myths and breaks down the science behind creatine supplementation - specifically for female bodies.

In this episode, we discuss evidence-based creatine dosing protocols to minimize unwanted side effects like bloating, and we dive into the impact of creatine on female bone health, muscle mass, endurance improvements in exercise and even brain health.

Dr. Candow is the Director of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada. Dr. Candow’s research program develops effective lifestyle interventions involving creatine monohydrate and resistance training which have practical and clinical relevance for improving muscle, bone and brain health/function.

Dr. Candow Shares:

1. How creatine is beneficial to females
2. What is the best protocol to use for women starting creatine to reduce side effects like bloating?
3. How does it impact muscle mass, bone health, and weight?
4. What kind of improvements women can expect to see if they start taking creatine
5. Creatine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
6. Who should NOT take it?

Studies Referenced:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33800439/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37144634/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33557850/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25993883/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33759701/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33467377/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35688360/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35276903/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37368234/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30978926/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33670822/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24766646/

Show Notes:

For more of Dr. Darren Candow, please visit https://www.instagram.com/dr.darrencandow/ on Instagram

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*

Trigger Warning - This episode focuses on eating disorders and eating disorder recovery.

Kyla Fox is an Eating Disorder Specialist, Survivor and Advocate. As someone who severely struggled with disordered eating during her teen years, Kyla experienced the large care gaps and fundamental flaws in the treatment and recovery approach that prevent patients from getting the help that they need. Kyla has been filling that gap with her realistic and innovative approach to eating disorder management, treatment and recovery, and the creation of her outpatient treatment clinic, The Kyla Fox Centre. As a mother, Kyla shares tips for parents to ensure we are creating a positive and supportive environment for our children’s eating habits and bodies. Eating disorders are on a spectrum and we cover it all in this episode.

Kyla Shares:

1. Kyla’s story and how she decided to help others going through eating disorders and recovery
2. How someone can know it is time to get help
3. What do you wish would change in this realm of eating disorders?
4. The psychological, emotional, and social factors that contribute to these disorders
5. Everyone’s journey is different, Kyla shares what this looks like in her centre
6. Tips for parents on how to raise empowered eaters

Show Notes:

For more of Kyla Fox, please visit https://www.instagram.com/@KylaFoxRecovery on Instagram and www.kylafoxcentre.com on the Web

For more of We Go There Podcast, please visit instagram.com/wegotherepodcast on Instagram and wegotherepodcast.com on the Web

*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*