103. Preventing Perineal Tearing with Krystle & Sarah Rubatt, Women's Health Physical Therapists Artwork

The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

We’re Amy and Krystle, sisters, mamas and co-founders of Expecting and Empowered. We built this business because we saw a HUGE gap in information given to women who were pregnant or postpartum. During the incredibly demanding and challenging years of early motherhood, we wanted to create a safe space for women to learn, grow and feel supported.We wholeheartedly believe in serving every woman no matter where they are in their motherhood journey. Through our professional background, real life experiences and mamas in our community, we are opening up the conversation around common issues that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum, sharing birth stories and giving women the knowledge and resources they deserve to put their best foot forward in motherhood.

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The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

103. Preventing Perineal Tearing with Krystle & Sarah Rubatt, Women's Health Physical Therapists

January 07, 2026 • Amy Kiefer + Krystle Howald

Fear of tearing is one of the most common concerns women have as they prepare for birth, yet many leave the experience saying, “I wish someone would have told me this sooner.” In this episode, we break down perineal tearing with evidence-based education so you can head into labor feeling informed, prepared, and confident.

We’re joined by Sarah Rubbatt, lead women’s health physical therapist at Empowered Movement and Physical Therapy, who works closely with Krystle and has helped countless women recover from birth-related tearing. Together, they share prevention strategies and postpartum support, emphasizing that knowledge truly is power when it comes to pelvic floor health.

The conversation begins with a clear explanation of what tearing is, why it happens, and why it can occur even in women who are strong and healthy. Sarah and Krystle walk through practical ways to prepare during pregnancy, including breath work, learning to relax the pelvic floor, and perineal massage.

The episode also covers supportive strategies during labor that may help reduce tearing, such as warm compresses, changing pushing positions, and avoiding unnecessary strain. For those who do experience tearing, Sarah explains postpartum healing, scar tissue expectations, and medical options if pain persists.

Finally, they discuss when to seek outside support and remind listeners to trust their intuition. The message is clear: healing is always possible, and every mother deserves to feel supported in her body.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it to your Instagram stories and tag us @expectingandempowered. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to support you on your childbirth journey.

Book Your Online Wellness Session with Sarah: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/955cea81/appointment/39793520/calendar/6222275?appointmentTypeIds[]=39793520

Freebie on How to Do a Perineal Massage: https://expectingandempowered.myflodesk.com/pp06gv2whm

Listen to E+E Podcast Episode 47: How To Prep Your Pelvic Floor For Labor + Delivery: https://www.expectingandempowered.com/blog/e-e-podcast-episode-47-how-to-prep-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor-and-delivery

Listen to E+E Podcast Episode 99: You Don’t Have to Labor or Birth on Your Back!: https://www.expectingandempowered.com/blog/e-e-podcast-episode99-you-dont-have-to-labor-or-birth-on-your-back-smwpt

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Amy Kiefer

Co-host

Krystle Howald

Co-host