What no one tells you! What to do after the baby arrives?
Author: Angela & Rachel
Life sure gets busy after you've had your baby, this is a reminder that you need looking after too! In the early post partum period, your pelvic health physiotherapist can help with managing any musculoskeletal issues from feeding/carrying/settling your baby such as neck, shoulder, wrist or back pain.
During pregnancy and labour, your pelvic floor is under significant load and stretch. We are passionate about helping women feel more like themselves after pregnancy and address any concerns that may have come up. It is highly valuable to attend post partum so that we can set you up well for your post partum rehab and recovery.
A few tips for the post partum period from Rach:
Be kind to yourself: You could be tired (unless you have a unicorn baby), overwhelmed, your body may feel very different and you may not be looking after yourself as well. The first 6 weeks is about rest and recovery and spending time with the little one. It’s our job to help you get back on track, so if you don’t have negative symptoms, take it easy and give yourself time to heal
Horizontal time: 60 minutes a day of laying horizontal helps the organs recover! This doesn’t include sleep (if you get any!!), so when family come visit, hand the bubs over and lay flat for 10 mins at a time!
Hydration: Drink water, whether you are breastfeeding/expressing or not. Even if you are experiencing some incontinence, drinking less actually makes the continence worse.
Sleep: This one is controversial as if one more person told me “oh you should sleep when baby sleeps” I was going to throw something at them! Rest is also valuable. So if you are sleep deprived, at least try to sit or rest often. Take breaks. Do what you can.
Aim for bronze: Instagram is misleading, the first 6 weeks is hard. Do what you can, do the best you can, and if your best is 20%, then that is fine. Things will get better, and if they aren’t getting better fast enough, reach out for help!
Some treatments we offer:
Mastitis: We also offer treatment for mastitis, using lots of different methods including therapeutic ultrasound, which can be very effective.
Pelvic floor assessment (6+ weeks): From 6 weeks onwards, we can complete pelvic health assessments in order to start you on your pelvic floor muscle rehab.
Assessments (<6 weeks): We can also see you earlier if you have any concerns. We can assess the bladder via ultrasound (either over the tummy or on the perineum - your underside)
Abdominal separation: Get your working early! This is key. Abdominals seperate, that’s normal, but we also lose function and that’s what we want back asap!
Mindfulness: Reach out for a telehealth at any time for some tips to help you cope with the big life change you have had. For any mental health concerns, please also see your mental health professionals