When to seek Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic Floor dysfunction can happen at anytime. For some people it can start in childhood. Think bedwetting, stress urinary incontinence w/ running and jumping rope and most common is constipation. Yes, we can treat the pediatric patient.

However, the most common time when women develop pelvic floor issues is...post partum. For some, those symptoms will resolve on their own and for others they will linger and eventually get worse. My dream is that pelvic floor therapy becomes the standard of care following vaginal or cesarean childbirth.

Why does post partum create these issues and what do we fix? Sit back/relax and let me tell you!!!

1. The weight of baby presses on the bladder and the feet press upwards into the rib cage creating a disturbance in pressure systems.

2. Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles will contribute to bladder leakage, lower back pain, and postural issues. It can also alter our body image and possibly contribute to post partum depression, and we can help!

3. Whether you deliver vaginally or by cesarean, the muscles are being altared to make room for baby to enter the world and often times leaving behind scars.

4. Hormones wreak hell and havok on your body, but are crucial to keep the baby alive. The back pain you feel is not from the epidural, it's from the hormone relaxin and muscle imbalances.

5. Poor sleep quality

6. Stress/anxiety

7. Posture from nursing or holding your bundle of joy.

8. Let's also take a moment to discuss the changes happening with your body, emotions, sleep, hormones, and fears/worries. You are now caring for a precious baby. Everyone is swooning over LO, and I get to care for new moms. I love being a support system. I love empowering new moms to regain themselves in this new role. Self care can come from pelvic floor therapy and is a safe and welcoming space for mom and baby or for the mom who needs to find herself.

As of now, a referral to pelvic floor therapy is not routine for our amazing post partum women. However, you can ask for a referral and I would love to help you on your journey to living your best life as mom!