1. Vaginal Birth Recovery
The body can feel completely different after childbirth! Issues of incontinence, pain with intercourse, diastasis rectus abdominis (abs separation), bulging or heaviness of the pelvic floor are all common symptoms. Your physiotherapist can help with the appropriate and individualized prescription of exercises for the pelvic floor and abdominal wall, postural re-education, management of pain commonly associated with caring for a baby, help with bowel health and appropriate return to exercise, running and sport. Critchley, C. J. (2022). Physical Therapy Is an Important Component of Postpartum Care in the Fourth Trimester. Physical Therapy, 102(5), pzac021.
2. Cesarean Birth Recovery
Cesarean surgeries are the most common type of inpatient surgery performed in Canada- and most people who have this surgery will be taking care of at least one baby immediately post-op. This is no easy task! The abdominal wall, pelvic floor muscles and occasionally certain nerves are affected during this surgery. Your physiotherapist can provide support with surgery preparation (when possible), as well as help navigate and optimize post-partum recovery of abdominal and pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination, scar healing and exercise.
