In this episode, Marianne is joined by Claire Sparrow, a Pilates instructor, mother of three, best-selling author, and creator of HOPE, a transformative method for healing the pelvic floor.
After experiencing a prolapse following what seemed like a “normal” birth, Claire embarked on a personal and professional journey to redefine how women address pelvic health. Her story and expertise have empowered countless women to heal and thrive.
Claire shares her 4-step approach to pelvic floor healing, blending clinical expertise, the principles of biotensegrity, and a deep understanding of neuromuscular coordination.
Together, Marianne and Claire debunk myths about pelvic floor care, including the over-reliance on Kegels. Instead, they emphasise the importance of the pelvic floor’s elasticity, flexibility, and responsiveness over isolating strength-based exercises.
Episode Highlights:
04:00 Flex and Adaptability: How Motherhood and Pelvic Floor Health Have Similar Requirements
07:34 The Widespread Effects of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Socio-Economic, Physical, and Mental Impacts
20:06 Negative Language Around Prolapse: No, Your Organs Are Not “Falling
Out”
21:54 The Big Bridget Jones Knickers Analogy
24:23 Why aSqueeze-Based Approach Can Do More Harm Than Good
33:23 Stop Holding Your Stomach In All Day—Here’s Why!
34:00 The Curtains Analogy: How Releasing Your Deep Hip Muscles Can Fix Your Pelvic Floor
43:41 Claire’s Advice to Instructors Dismissed for Driving Change
Whether you’ve experienced pelvic floor issues, are a healthcare provider, a perinatal instructor, or simply curious about supporting your body better, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.
Resources Mentioned:
Find Claire’s Membership & Book: HOPE for Your Pelvic Floor
Claire’s Facebook Group: Pelvic Floor Exercises Reinvented
Did You Know? 42% of women stop participating in sports due to pelvic
floor symptoms. Learn more.
Related Episodes You May Enjoy:
Episode 9: Beyond Kegels: 3 Simple Pelvic Floor Exercises Listen Now
Episode 7: Tackling C-section Overhang, Avoiding Surgery, and Reclaiming Mobility with Scar Therapist Emma Holly Listen Now
Tune in to discover how to realign, recover, and reclaim your confidence—starting from your core.
