This episode is the start of a little series about your downstairs department. Starting with stress and urgency incontinence, and I’ve gathered a panel of experts for different modalities to share their expertise on the topic. If you wee yourself when you cough, if you fear having to run for a bus or train, or if you have to know where the nearest loo is at all times, because you have to wee 50 times an hour, then this episode is for you. There’s a narrative that after a birth or from perimenopause it’s ‘normal’ to be a bit leaky and just part of how life is, but this is a million miles from the truth. Incontinence is not something you need put up with and there’s heaps you can do to help and it’s often not what you might think!
You will discover why incontinence happens, what it is, how these different practitioners work and be offered a basket of tips and ideas for you to put into practice today to regain control of your bladder and your life. There is also a great list of resources further down this page.
There will also be another episode coming very soon about pelvic pain, including prolapse, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and painful sex.
Our experts all come with a deep knowledge, long professional experience and a whole body, even whole life attitude to well being.
Our experts are :
Andrea Clarke, who supports women in reconnecting with their womb, pelvis, and vagina—centres of power, safety, and creativity. She gently guides those healing from trauma, loss, or disconnection back to embodied presence. Blending somatic bodywork, womb-energy medicine, and holistic pelvic care, she helps release pain and stored emotion. This work fosters deep healing and reconnection. Andrea also facilitates workshops, retreats, and women’s circles—both online and in person—creating spaces for safety, presence, and transformation.
Andrea's IG: Root Medicine
Andrea's FB: Andrea Clarke
Andrea's website rootmedicine.co.uk
Fiona Mitchell, a passionate women's health physio who uses her many years of experience and knowledge to treat and educate women about pelvic health issues. In her clinic she sees women through all stages of life and appreciates the influences that hormonal fluctuations, the nervous system and lifestyle have on pain and symptoms. She uses an evidence based, whole body approach with the women that she sees and strives to help them manage their symptoms through education, exercise and mind body techniques.
Tessa Venuti Sanderson, who supports people with incontinence, prolapse, and birth trauma using hypopressives, yoga, movement, and embodied listening. Sessions are co-created with care and trust, tailored to each person's needs. She shares nervous system insights, practical tools, and specialises in Yoga for Birth Trauma. A Menstrual Educator and Red School Medicine Circle facilitator, Tessa also leads workshops and ceremonies. She's the author of seven body-positive books and hosts the Circle Holding podcast.
Tessa's IG @tessa.venuti.sanderson
Tessa's FB @tessavenutisanderson
Tessa's Website tessavenutisanderson.co.uk/
Recommended Resources
The pessaries - Contrelle Activguard and Efemia
Places to find a pelvic health physio POPG and The Pelvic Pain Network
Use of Vaginal Oestrogen guidelines 2025
Info on incontinence and bladder issues
For charting menstrual cycle/ perimenopausal symptoms
For beautiful visualisations to get curious about your pelvic area: Tami Lynn Kent's Wild Feminine
For understanding how yoga can support birth trauma (and actually any kind of pelvic trauma)
You can support the podcast here
The free resources library is here
The Perimenopause Unwrapped online course mentioned in the podcast can be found here or if you're new to the concept of cyclical awareness, this Starter Kit might suit you.
Come and hang out with me on Instagram @kate_codrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring: the self-care guide to menopause are available from your favourite bookshop.
You will find the podcast on Spotify, iTunes and all major platforms, just search for 'Life - An Inside Job'.
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