Post-Partum Health and Fitness
Written by Kim Blackwell, PT Progressive Rehabilitation Associates, Coralwest
After bringing your new bundle of joy home, you have plenty of things to keep you busy- night time feedings, diaper changes, baths, and of course, cuddling and getting to know your baby. During this exciting, but often stressful time, remember to take time for your own recovery. After all, you want to be strong to keep up with your growing baby! Progressive Rehabilitation Associates is in a unique position to help guide you in your recovery, and help build your strength to prevent common post-partum complaints, such as:
- Back pain, often worse with carrying baby, breastfeeding, or lifting the car seat
- Difficulty with comfortable positioning of baby or babywearing
- Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominals due to pregnancy stretching and/or delivery)
- Painful scars, either from C-section or perineal tearing/episiotomy
- Pelvic floor weakness, with or without incontinence
- Abdominal weakness
- Urinary or fecal incontinence, especially when trying to lift or return to exercise
- Pelvic pain, including painful intercourse
Many of these complaints are common, but that doesn’t mean that they are normal or that you just have to wait for them to (hopefully) get better. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are getting worse instead of better, a physical therapist can help you feel better.
Returning to exercise can also be a big challenge after having a baby. Your muscles may not feel the same and you may experience some pelvic discomfort or even have small urine leaks, like the stories you’ve heard from female friends and family members. But you don’t have to accept these things as part of being a mom. Whether it’s yoga, walking, triathlons, or just playing with your kids, a women’s health PT can get you back to the activities you enjoy.
If you would like any further information, please contact me at our PRA Coralwest location at 319-545-4121