We know it can relax our face, but . . . the vagina? Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFM) is characterized by involuntary spasm of the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina. PFM is a relatively common sexual pain disorder, leading to impossible or extremely painful intercourse. In extreme cases, conventional treatment methods may fail. Botulinum toxin (Botox®) has emerged as an effective treatment option in cases of refractory PFM dysfunction.  Further randomized controlled trials may be needed to determine the degree of Botox efficacy, optimal doses and injection technique. Botox is no ..read more

First and most important breastfeeding position  Get comfortable.  The number one best breastfeeding position is the one in which you are most comfortable. In the early days of breastfeeding, it feels like you need an extra arm or two in order to get your wiggly baby to your breast.  When I was helping women in the hospital, I would start by building a pillow fort around them. These piles of pillows assist in getting the baby closer to your breast. It helps you to decrease the variables if your position is good. Cross-cradle breastfeeding position  As the name implies ..read more

Vaginal itching. No one wants to be bothered by their lady parts. The uncomfortable sensation can range from mild and brief to severe and persistent.  Almost every vagina owner will experience some vaginal itching at some point in their life. Often, it’s usually not a concern. But what causes the vagina to itch in the first place? And how do you know when to see a doctor?  Let’s go over some of the most common causes of vaginal itching, when to seek medical attention, and treatments you can expect. What can cause vaginal itching? There are quite a few conditions that can cause vagin ..read more

Cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment are critical components of comprehensive reproductive health care. Key components to screening include the Pap smear and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing. Let’s learn why . . . Pap Smear The purpose of a Pap smear is to prevent and detect early cervical cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has decreased MORE THAN 50% in the past 30 years because of widespread screening.  New technologies for cervical cancer screening continue to evolve, as do recommendations for managing the results. Most cases of cervical ca ..read more

Motherhood changes you inside and out. After having a baby, your clothing size, breast shape, hip width and even your shoe size might be different. Look what your body has done – nothing short of AMAZING! At Sky, we are committed to supporting moms in the 4th trimester by providing evidence based care to promote, support & protect your journey. Often moms ask me for a trusted resource for postpartum fitness. Let me introduce you to Sally, a mom and fitness instructor, who created the postnatal fitness program REBUILD for you to feel strong, beautiful and confident in your body. I did REB ..read more

Did you know over 80% of mothers initiate breastfeeding in the United States, but many do not meet their goal of continued breastfeeding? Pain and low milk supply are common causes for weaning. Breastfeeding support after hospital discharge is critical. Imagine having support two days after hospital discharge and having the time needed to correct latch, help manage engorgement, or review hand expression and supplementation for a baby with poor weight gain.  At Sky Women’s Health, we are committed to supporting moms in the 4th trimester. Promoting evidence based care to promote, support ..read more

Gynecologic cancer is a term used for cancer that occurs in women’s reproductive organs. The type of cancers include . . . Vulvar cancer: This cancer forms on the outer genitalia – most commonly affecting the outer vaginal lips (labia). Signs and symptoms may include—Itching, burning, or bleeding on the vulva that does not go away. Changes in the color of the skin of the vulva. Bumps, sores, lumps, or ulcers on the vulva that do not go away. Pain in your pelvis, especially when you urinate or have sex. Vagina cancer: Vaginal cancer is one of the rarest gynecologic cancers. It typically o ..read more

The pelvic floor is a ‘sling’ of muscles, a bit like a small muscle hammock that runs between the pubic bone in the front, and the tailbone at the back. A woman’s pelvic floor muscles support her uterus, bladder, and bowel (colon). The urine tube (urethra), the vagina, and the anus all pass through the pelvic floor muscles. What does the pelvic floor do for you? improve bladder and bowel control reduce the risk of prolapse improve recovery from childbirth and gynecological surgery increase sexual sensation and orgasmic potential and increase social confidence and quality of life. Let’s break ..read more

I said it. I was over the moon excited to be pregnant and I didn’t want to get out of the car for clinic in the morning because of the nausea. My breast doubled in size and the talk around the hospital was that I had gotten a boob job. My back and hips hurt, my belly felt like it would pop. I gained 50lbs – with EVERY PREGNANCY. From around 28 weeks, male colleagues would say “looks like you’re going to pop” in the operating room – this is before cute scrubs. I couldn’t wait to unsnap my bra at the end of the day. Sound familiar? You might feel sad, disappointed, expected more from your body a ..read more

Rectus abdominis diastasis What is it? An anatomic term describing a condition in which the two rectus muscles are separated by an abnormal distance. Fairly consistently defined as more than 2cm. The distance is usually measured above the umbilicus, at and below the umbilicus. It is diagnosed by a simple physical exam. Anatomy: The anterior abdominal wall consists of the abdominal rectus muscles separated by the linea alba, which is a fusion of the external and internal abdominal oblique muscles and the transverses abdominis aponeuroses. Pregnancy and Postpartum: Pregnancy stretches the abdo ..read more