Experiencing challenges- either physical or psychological (or both!)- is very common post-partum. The research and advice is clear that there is much that can be done to facilitate and support women in their recovery, however this perhaps isn’t something that women know to do themselves. It is made harder by the fact that the first few months post birth are already full of priorities. Even people who are trying to engage with movement and fitness in the post-natal period, find it hard to know if what they are doing is safe let alone effective.

It is also worth noting that many women we see in our clinics are describing physical symptoms even when things have been straight forward with respect to the delivery, and so it is our belief that all women receive a post-partum pelvic health physiotherapy assessment, if they so wish.

Common things we can help with post-partum include: improving bowel function and control of wind, optimising pelvic floor and core strength to prevent or manage any early signs of prolapse (a sense of heaviness or fullness in the vagina, difficulty emptying the bladder/ bowel, visual signs of something being out of place vaginally), perineal and c section scar tissue recovery, return to fitness programs and advice, bladder issues including incontinence and pelvic girdle pain management to name but a few!

We recommend coming in around 6-8 weeks post birth if you can, and then make a plan from there. For some, a handful of follow ups spread over the first few months can be helpful to ensure the work that is being put in is having the right effect, particularly if there are symptoms. For others a one off assessment is enough to get people on the right track. We believe any opportunity to learn how to correctly do your pelvic floor exercises could be life changing- so this is always on offer regardless of symptoms or mode of delivery.

Let us know if you think we can help you, it is never too late!