Jan's Story

Helen chats to Dr Jan Russell, a listener with a prolapse, a coach, a grandmother, an author and, in her own words, 'a feisty old crone'. Jan talks about pelvic organ prolapse after menopause, the shock of finding out the day before her 60th birthday and learning how to manage it all with good humour.

Show Notes

Helen chats to Dr Jan Russell, a listener with a prolapse, a coach, a grandmother, an author and, in her own words, 'a feisty old crone'. Jan talks about pelvic organ prolapse after menopause and the shock of finding out the day before her 60th birthday cruise:

'I was alarmed. I'd got visions of me being in my glad rags and dancing on the wonderful ballroom floor on this amazing ship, really not knowing what would happen next with my pelvic organs!'

Helen and Jan talk about getting past the blame and the shame, learning how to manage it all with good humour and advocating for our own health:

'We do know our bodies, don't we. So fight for your body. Fight for your body. Put that feistiness into it. You are worth looking after.'

Jan is @drjanrussell on Instagram

Jan mentioned working with the personal trainer, Lisa Gimenez-Codd, from OptiMum Health. You can find her here

You can find Helen on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or at www.whymumsdontjump.com

Creators and Guests

Host

Helen Ledwick

Helen Ledwick is the creator and host of Why Mums Don’t Jump - dedicated to dismantling the taboo around pelvic floor problems after childbirth. By sharing personal stories and expert knowledge, the former BBC journalist has helped thousands of women to access reliable information and support for issues like incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. Her groundbreaking book, Why Mums Don't Jump: Ending the Pelvic Floor Taboo, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2023, and builds on the success of her ARIA-nominated podcast, which recently concluded its fifth season. Inspired by Helen’s own struggle with pelvic organ prolapse, Why Mums Don’t Jump has blossomed into a vibrant Instagram community, where women describe feeling empowered and hopeful. Helen lives in Manchester, UK, with her husband and two children.

What is Why Mums Don't Jump?

One woman’s mission to end the stigma around leaks and lumps after childbirth. Honest chat about incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. Not a trampoline in sight. Hosted by Helen Ledwick.