What to expect from your Prenatal Physiotherapy visit .... and why should you consider seeing a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist even if you have no pelvic pain, incontinence or any major concerns.
WHY PRENATAL PHYSIO, you ask???
With most surgeries (hip /knee/shoulder), surgeons will have their patients compete pre-hab programs that will include strengthening, mobility and pain management strategies to ensure the best possible post-surgical outcome.
My question is:
Why isn’t pelvic health "pre- hab" talked about more in preparation for birth?
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, CONGRATULATIONS MAMA!
As a mother of 2, with 2 very different pregnancy and birth experiences, I know that pregnancy can be an overwhelming process both mentally and physically.
My goal as Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and Physio Doula is to help you to have an awesome and individualized pregnancy and birth experience.
Every mama deserves a confident, informed and actively healthy pregnancy.
As I often say:
"HAPPY BELLIES, HAPPY MAMAS!"
What to expect during your prenatal visits and what you may learn:
How to prevent and treat the more common prenatal and postnatal conditions including:
o pelvic pain
o incontinence
o prolapse
o diastasis recti pain
o pain during the intercourse
o other musculoskeletal pain common with pregnancy
Strategies for movement and mobility during pregnancy and into your labour:
o may include an individualized program based on your current fitness level and goals
o other strategies to help you to sit with less tail bone, pubic symphysis and pelvic girdle pain (picture with sitting on yoga block ,sit with your knees part and perched at the end of the table, leg crossed over the knee, sit on folded towel)
How to support your core and pelvic floor during pregnancy and labour:
o learn strategies for your mind, body and pelvic floor for labour that will help you cope and stay focussed
How to reduce the risk of abdominal muscle separation (Diastasis Recti)
o Abdominal muscle separation during pregnancy can be scary … we will help to demystify this common condition and help you find ways to support and protect your abdominal muscles (ie. belly wraps, taping, active exercises program)
o To read more about this condition, read our Diastasis Recti Blog here ….
Learn about the amazing powers of your uterus and how to maximize the power of your uterine contraction
Labour techniques including:
o how to breathe properly during labour
o how to push
o when not to push, in order to manage the pressure on the core and the pelvic floor including: flower bloom techniques, pelvic floor relaxation, open glottis pushing
o how to breathe when baby is crowning to reduce perineal injury
Which prenatal exercises are best for labour and delivery
Perineal massage - why do it, when to do it and how to do it
Recovery tips following vaginal delivery or C-section including:
o scar tissue mobilisation, cupping, taping, postpartum belly support and more…
Education regarding tearing and episiotomy - types of tears and helpful strategies
How to make your hospital experience more calming (ie. familiar smells, favourite play list, doula support, bringing your own gown/comphy clothes etc…)
How to take care of the vaginal and perineal areas postpartum:
o post-partum period tips (super maxi pads/underwear (@Natracare)
o sitz baths
o hemmoroid cream (Tuck pads, HMR cream)
o peri bottle
o witch hazel alcohol-free toner used on padsicles (@Thayers)
o perispray (@earthmamaorganics)
o scar tissue massage
Education regarding postpartum mood disorder vs postpartum depression self-screen
When to start exercises postpartum - individualized approach
Hope that helps mamas!!
In Health,
Beata.
