What do we do?

We recommend a postnatal appointment at least 6 weeks postpartum. And we find out how the first 6 weeks have been going and the nature of your labour and delivery. If you have a certain exercise goal, our aim is to get you there safely and in a timely manner. So that you shouldn’t have to worry about anything and just exercise.

How we do it?

Regardless of it you have had a caesarean or a vaginal birth, a vaginal assessment is recommended. Typically an internal examination is conducted, but if you are not comfortable with this there are other assessments we can do. Pelvic floor exercises will go a long way with preventing any future issues. 

We also recommend assessing for any abdominal separation as well. This is an external assessment to check for abdominal tone. We can also do a real time ultrasound assessment to check abdominal muscle coordination and technique. This is done in an appointment.

From here we will prescribe an individual program for your pelvic floor and your core to help with your postnatal rehabilitation. We will also offer advice on returning to exercise and making sure you have the right tools to get you there.

Book here for your postnatal appointment. Let us help you look after you. 

Abdominal Separation

Your deep abdominal muscle layer helps with maintaining core control, which inadvertently, minimises back, pelvic and hip pain. Good core strength allows you to exercise without you injuring yourself.

Abdominal separation can have an impact on some postnatal women. It can occur at any point along the abdomen between your six pack muscle. Postnatally the width and depth of your separation may contribute to joint pain or pelvic floor changes in the future.

Pelvic Floor

Regardless of if you have had a vaginal or caesarean, there will have been changes to your pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor has had to carry and hold bubs 24/7 for the last 9 months. It’s going to get tiring!

Pelvic floor strength and endurance is important in the postnatal phase as it helps with healing and recovery. It can also minimise the future impact of:

• Urinary incontinence
• Reduction and/or minimising bladder and bowel dysfunction
• Prolapse
• Joint pain