Well done, Mama! You've welcomed a gorgeous new life into the world, and honestly, there is nothing more amazing. While you're busy finding your way through the ecstatic mess of sleepless nights, infinite cuddles, and figuring out this new normal, it's all too easy for your own health and happiness to fall by the wayside.
While the "6-week checkup" is a popular benchmark, most Hamilton moms would agree that it only barely touches their physical healing. The reality is, your body has experienced a marathon of transformation, and sometimes, those alterations have lasting effects that might affect your comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
You're not alone if you've noticed any of the following since having your baby:
These symptoms are typical, yet let's be clear: they ARE NOT typical, and you in no way whatsoever HAVE to endure them. This is where Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy comes into play, and why it's an essential element of postpartum recovery for women of Hamilton.
Imagine your pelvic floor as a muscle, ligament, and fascia hammock that runs from tailbone to pubic bone and holds up your bladder, bowel, and uterus. In pregnancy and childbirth, this important region is under tremendous stretching and stress.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (PFP) is a specialized type of physiotherapy that deals with the assessment and management of dysfunctions of these muscles and supporting structures. In postpartum recovery, a specially trained pelvic floor physiotherapist will:
Do a Thorough Assessment: This is a comprehensive chat about your pregnancy, birth, symptoms, and lifestyle. It will also involve an outside and sometimes an inside (with permission) check of the strength, tension, coordination and integrity of your pelvic floor muscles, posture, and core function.
Create a Personalized Treatment Plan: Depending on the assessment, your physio will develop a customized program that may include:
Specific exercises: More than mere "doing Kegels," you will learn to correctly contract, relax and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles in relation to your breathing and core.
Manual therapy: Gentle hands-on methods for releasing tight muscles, enhancing mobility of scar tissue (for C-section or episiotomy), and decreasing pain.
Education: Learning about your anatomy, bladder/bowel habits, lifting mechanics, and returning to exercise safely.
Posture correction: To decrease strain on your pelvic floor and core.
Lifestyle changes: Modifying habits that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Investing in pelvic floor physiotherapy following childbirth can significantly enhance your recovery and long-term health. Here's what you can look forward to:
Get Rid of or Greatly Reduce Leaking: Take back control of your bladder and sneeze/laugh confidently!
Repair Diastasis Recti: Learn techniques to close your abdominal muscles and develop functional core strength.
Relieve Pelvic & Back Pain: Correct muscular imbalances and enhance your spinal support. Enhance Sexual Function & Comfort: Decrease pain during sex and increase sensation.
Prevent Future Problems: Preventively shield against pelvic organ prolapse and ongoing incontinence in the future.
Safe Return to Exercise: Receive professional advice on how to safely resume running, lifting, and the activities you enjoy without injury.
Boost Body Confidence: Feel more in tune with your body and confident in your physical abilities.
Optimize C-Section and Perineal Scar Healing: Minimize pain, numbness, and tightness surrounding scar tissue.
Although most physicians suggest waiting until your 6-week postpartum appointment, you can actually start seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist sooner for external evaluation and support.
The best time is usually between 6-8 weeks after giving birth, once you have the approval of your doctor. But don't worry, it's never too late! Even if your kids are toddlers, school-age, or even adults, PFP can work wonders for long-term problems.
Hamilton and the surrounding suburbs (Burlington, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Waterdown) have a number of highly trained and empathetic pelvic floor physiotherapists. Here's how to find one:
Ask Your Doctor: Your obstetrician or family physician might have a list of preferred providers.
Online Search: Try using search terms such as "Hamilton pelvic floor physio," "postpartum physiotherapy Hamilton," or "women's health physio Hamilton."
Local Mom Groups: Request referrals in Hamilton-based online mom groups – word of mouth is strong!
Check Credentials: Make sure the physiotherapist is registered and has specialized training in pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Call Clinics: Don't be afraid to call clinics and inquire about their strategy for postpartum care, what an initial assessment includes, and whether they have direct billing to your insurance.
Motherhood is a life-changing experience, and your body's healing is as vital as tending to your sweet child. You're not "just a mom" – you're a force to be reckoned with who deserves to feel strong, comfortable, and confident in her own skin.
Don't be held back by embarrassment or the attitude that these problems are "normal." Take the initiative and seek help. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an investment in your long-term health and wellness, enabling you to fully experience all the joys of motherhood.
Hamilton Moms, it's time to put YOU first. Take back your core, rebuild your confidence, and flourish in your postpartum journey.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always see a qualified health care provider, including your physician or a pelvic floor physiotherapist, with any health issues or before making any health-related decisions or treatment.
