Postpartum Recovery
Regardless of the type of delivery, it is essential to support the postpartum body and recover from Pregnancy
Postpartum rehabilitation is not a straight line. What you are experiencing is part of your unique journey, and more importantly, there is help!
Signs you need support
Urinary, Fecal or Gas Leakage
Heaviness, Pressure, or a Bulge in the Pelvic Area
Painful Intercourse
Constipation or Difficulty Emptying the Bowels
Tailbone Pain
Lower Back, and Hip Pain
Lower Abdomen Pain
Scar Tightness and Pain
Diastasis Recti Abdominis or Abdominal muscle separation
Most postpartum women benefit from individualized assessment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Many of these issues are related to increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles after birth. A pelvic floor physiotherapist has further training to assess the pelvic muscles. Working on these tissues can improve their function. It is essential to receive guidance to ensure you load these tissues in a way that supports healing and recovery.
“Whether it’s your first child or fourth, we want you to feel supported and connected on your postpartum journey.”
Returning to Running, Sports or Exercise Classes?
Did you know that Pelvic Health Concerns are a barrier to exercise for 1 in 2 women?
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology recommend a slow return to physical activity after giving birth. It is important to progress gradually to reach 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic physical activity per week.
Common postpartum conditions, such as muscle and joint pain, urinary incontinence, abdominal separation, and pelvic organ prolapse, can be factors that limit physical performance and hinder a safe return to exercise.
At 6 weeks postpartum, many moms are cleared medically to resume normal exercise activity without restrictions. However, after this period of inactivity, the pelvic floor muscles are still lacking strength and coordination, and a C-section scar is still healing.
It is becoming increasingly clear that appropriate interventions can safely begin in the immediate postpartum period to help guide mothers on which types of exercise are safe to perform and which symptoms are normal versus abnormal.