10/04/2022
If you’re currently pregnant, you may be wondering how soon after birth you can consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
The short answer is whenever you’re ready (which could be within that first week postpartum), even though you’ve most likely heard to wait 6+ weeks. Read below for the explanation.👇👇👇
An excellent way to look at birth and delivery is to compare it to an orthopedic surgery. For example, if you have an ACL injury and need a repair, you are going to prepare for surgery by educating yourself on the procedure/contraindications/potential complications etc., and also by strengthening the surrounding muscles as much as possible before the big day. Post-op, as of day 1, you are given a rigorous rehab protocol that is structured and lasts 6 ++ months (often 1 year) which you follow because you want the repair to heal properly, and return to your normal activities asap.
This preparation and immediate post op care should be no different for childbirth. Unfortunately, once you’ve delivered your baby, you most likely won’t see your doctor for 6 weeks (if you’re “lucky”) and at this appointment, you are going to be given minimal information on how to take care of your body postpartum.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to prepare and empower you immediately, so you’re not left wondering if its okay to do x-y-z. I will share in the next post examples of how we can help you to be confident and in control of your postpartum body.
