Today’s feature of my Resources for Growing Families blog series is all about Dr. Jillian Mongiardini the owner of Womb Wellness PT. Jill and I connected via Instagram a few months back. She found my page through some cosmic force (or maybe a mutual friend by I like to think the Universe brought us together) and realized we were after some very similar goals. We want to support women and families by helping them form meaningful connections with other women and families. We want them to find a community to share their stories, struggles and wins with. We want to guide them to resources that will help them improve their health and wellbeing. We met in person and started thinking up some magic.

I so appreciate how much all of my interviewees have opened up. We’ve touched on some very personal topics and I love how Jill reflects on her struggles and has used them to guide her to what she does today. Even my husband, who has not met her, could tell from looking at her pictures just how kind she is. Not only is she super knowledgable and passionate about what she does, she is also truly sincere, kind and full of love. There’s a warmness to her presence which is so comforting when dealing with such a personal treatment as pelvic floor therapy. Continue on to read about Jill and please, please reach out to her or a local pelvic floor PT if you experience any of the symptoms she discusses!

Tell me who you are and what you are passionate about!

Jillian Mongiardini- I am a wife, mama of two little girls (2 and 1), former college lacrosse player, Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Pelvic Floor Health. I am absolutely dedicated to spreading knowledge on topics associated with pelvic health, chronic pain, maternal health, spirituality and healing. Regarding my career, I love it because it allows me to help make a woman's journey easier, I want to be her support system, encouragement and advocate. I am a true believer that knowledge is power; so educating women as much as I can and leading them to their goal is my prerogative.

What led you to your specialty?

Ohhhh! Looking back, I genuinely think my past was as hard as it was so that I could be practitioner that I am. In graduate school, I went through a long battle of pelvic/bladder pain that was poorly managed and basically left untreated until I did my homework and found help. With the help of my pelvic floor therapist, I was able to come off of the various pain medications and anti-anxiety medications that were used as ways to mask my pain for temporary relief and find true healing. Since I was already in graduate school for my DPT, I decided to immediately specialize in Pelvic Health after passing my boards. Initially, I worked a lot with athletes and chronic pain patients- as this was extremely relatable for me. Then, when my husband and I wanted to start a family, I experienced recurrent miscarriages. We ended up going through IVF, with failed outcomes. I decided to leave pelvic PT and start a career in home health, as seeing my postpartum and pregnant patients became quite unbearable for me. Again, I did my research after failed IVF transfers and poor egg retrievals/poor egg quality. I decided I would try a more holistic approach to fertility- focusing on regaining my health and overall internal stability. And!... one month after we called it quits with IVF, we found out I was pregnant with my first daughter. Six months after she was born, we found out I was pregnant again. So- now I have combined my experience with pelvic floor PT and home health to provide concierge pelvic floor PT!

Who do you serve? What types of clients?

Currently I treat women only for any type of pelvic floor dysfunction. This can include chronic pelvic pain, core weakness, incontinence, diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, infertility, postpartum concerns, pregnancy related dysfunctions/pain, c-section scars, perineal tearing and scarring, painful intercourse, bladder & bowel health management... and many more!

Why would someone reach out to you?

Anyone who is concerned about the health of their pelvic floor should reach out to a pelvic floor therapist. There are many signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. If you feel that you are reaching out to your doctors with concerns regarding your reproductive organs and health and you aren't getting the answers you want, this is another time reaching out is encouraged.

When should someone in need of your services reach out to you?

We know ourselves best- whenever a woman feels they need my help, I encourage meeting with me. We can devise a plan to best fit their needs and expectations.

For those looking to grow their family and are interested in improving their chances of fertility how can you help?

Typically, assessing the pelvic floor can provide a lot of indirect insight in to the overall health of the reproductive system. The overall stress of trying to conceive is quite draining for some families, and having gone through it, I can be a guiding light for many. It has been thoroughly researched that the amount of tension the pelvic floor muscles hold will amplify with increased levels of stress, there is a direct correlation- so seeing a pelvic floor therapist during any reproductive challenge is highly encouraged to support to overall wellness and health of the pelvic floor and it's contents.

How do you help families who are currently expecting?

I treat many women who are pregnant. Whether it is a virtual session reviewing exercises, body mechanics and more or in-person treating any type of pregnancy related dysfunction- I am there! I don't focus solely on the pelvic floor; I touch on many topics such as posture, pressure management, general musculoskeletal strengthening and mobility work, birth prep/ pushing techniques... I will also provide resources for anything needed and I will communicate effectively with any other practitioners and physicians as needed.

What are some ways you help families who just had a baby?

I will come to your home for any visits. This is especially critical immediately postpartum, as we want to assess the pelvic floor, abdomen and any scars right away. Treatment should begin ASAP for the best outcomes as long as your doctor/midwife approves. It is a huge misconception that women should wait 6 weeks to begin any type of formal rehabilitation postpartum- think of it this way: when someone has a 3 hour surgery for a knee replacement, when do they begin therapy? THE NEXT DAY... when a woman grows a human being for 9-10 months, when do they begin therapy? ... usually NEVER! I want to change this paradigm.

What are some ways you help families throughout the first year?

Rehabilitating mothers is essential to not only her, but to her family. It is well known that the physical and mental benefits of healing a mother transcends in the way she can show up for her family. Strong mothers=strong foundations and strong families.

What are some resources you can recommend to expectant/newly postpartum families?

There are so many people trying to market themselves as pelvic floor specialists- its important to remember there is truly no "one size fits all" approach when dealing with PF dysfunction. Sometimes what works for one person can actually worsen another's condition. Reach out to me directly and I can even guide you in the right directions if I'm not the fit for you! Along with PT, chiropractic care, nutritional guidance and mental health management are areas I refer out for often.

What would you like every woman, parent or caregiver to know?

Listen to your body... It is always right! and never be ashamed for asking for help, accepting help or advocating for yourself.

How can people reach out to you?

Website: wombwellnesspt.com

Email: WombWellnessPT@gmail.com

instagram: @womb_wellness_pt

Anything else you would like to add? Anything I missed?

Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

To see the previous posts in the series:

Angela Mancini- https://www.michelleamyphotography.com/blog/laluna

Kaitlyn Desider: https://www.michelleamyphotography.com/blog/motherhoodalchemy