Ashleigh Barnes - On discovering she had Pelvic Organ Prolapse and never giving up on her goals!

PostpartumMember StoriesPelvic FloorProlapse

29 Jun

Meet She Moves member Ashleigh Barnes. Ashleigh is an amazing example of how when it comes to prolapse recovery it can be a journey of two steps forward and then three back… her determination to stick with her rehabilitation, never give up and find the right support for herself is inspirational. We are so proud to have been a small part of Ashleigh’s story helping her to rebuild her strength and confidence with exercise again. Read her story below.

When did you find out you had Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

I first began to get symptoms of POP at three months postpartum with my first baby. I’d gone back to the gym and weightlifting training, with no idea about rehab for my core or pelvic floor or about how to effectively manage pressure without bearing down. I knew something wasn’t right so I sought out some support from a women’s health physio who confirmed I had a POP.

How did you feel about this initially?

My initial feelings consisted of fear about what this meant for my quality of day to day life, anger and shame that this had happened to me. It also consumed my thoughts for large portions of my day due to the consistent uncomfortable feeling and associated pain. I also experienced grief for my ability to train and compete in my sport and for being able to run and jump around and play with my daughter. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to lift again.

What did your journey back into exercise look like?

It was a bit messy and slow. It constantly felt like I’d take 2 steps forward but then 3 back.

I had a women’s physio who didn’t know a lot about weightlifting. After working with her for a while and not really seeing any improvements, I was told I needed to stop training and think about changing what I do for fitness to take the pressure of my body. She advised there wasn’t much else she could really do for me at that stage. I left so disheartened but also with the thought that surely I can’t be the only person with a POP who wants to lift and be strong.

I then spent a lot of time researching, learning and following some physiotherapists on Instagram I learnt sooo much about the importance of 360 breathing, pressure management and that I can safely weight lift with a POP. I was able to find a women’s health physio that understood me and my goals, we introduced the use of a pessary to provide support while training. I also found myself a coach who is trained in women’s health and postpartum recovery.

With the support of these two key people and learning how to breath and manage pressure I was able to get back to training (slowly!! This was about a years worth of work) and moving some decent heavy weight again without being symptomatic. I was able to enjoy life and run and dance and jump on the tramp with my daughter all symptom free!!

It was also really important for me to learn about what would trigger my symptoms and what I can do to relieve symptoms when they cropped up. For example, stress, different parts of my cycle and lack of sleep can make me pretty symptomatic.

How did your She Moves membership support you on this journey back into exercise and feeling confident to move your body?

I’m currently five months postpartum with baby number two. I joined She Moves at around 3.5 months postpartum when my POP symptoms started to crop up again on the advice of my women’s health physio to support my return to lifting.

I’ve been doing x2 of the She Moves She Restores Pelvic Floor & Core Restore class and x2 of the She Starts classes per week. I have noticed so much positive change in the strength of my core and pelvic floor. It’s been great to have this programme to help rebuild a strong foundation and do it all from home!

I wish I’d have had known about She Moves back in 2020 when I was coming back from baby number one! I’m still on and off symptomatic, and still not quite able to run and jump post baby, but I know I will get back there again!

How do you modify the classes to work for you?

I currently don’t need to modify classes as I’m still doing the She Restores and She Starts. If there’s something that feels a bit iffy, or I’m unsure about as I haven’t tested it yet, I’ll take the beginner / easier option for the first time. I also use my pessary to support for my She Starts workouts to provide that bit of extra support!

What advice would you give for someone who has just found out they have a prolapse?

To find the right team of people to support you. That it will get better, progress isn’t linear and you’re not alone!

What are your exercise goals for the future?

My long term goal is to get back onto the weightlifting platform. My medium term goal is to get back into training and feel strong again!

We hope you found reading this blog helpful and reassuring! There is so much help available and exercise really can be achievable with the right support. If you are after more information on Prolapse then please check out out social media accounts this month as we’ll be posting loads of helpful content! The links below will also provide more helpful information.