Women's Health Hub Comprehensive Post Partum Care
At Women’s Health Hub, we understand the importance of supporting new mothers through postpartum care with empathy, empowerment, and education. Our tailored approach ensures you feel confident and cared for as you recover and rebuild after childbirth.
Why a Postnatal Physiotherapy Assessment is Essential
We recommend booking a Postnatal Physiotherapy Assessment at 3 and 6 weeks postpartum. This comprehensive evaluation focuses on:
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation)
Pelvic Floor Strength and Coordination
Bladder Function
Bowel Function
Core stability and overall recovery
We'll provide you with evidence-based guidelines to safely return to exercise & your goals after having your baby.
​
During your Initial Postnatal Assessment, we'll ask you about your bladder health, bowel health, sexual health, past medical conditions, gynaecological history, pelvic floor symptoms, and any other concerns. This thorough evaluation helps prevent pelvic health issues like urinary incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain in both the short and long term.
Post Partum FAQS
Common post partum questions answered
1.
What is the purpose of Post Partum Women's Health Assessment?
At Women's Health Hub, the Postnatal Check is a vital step in your post-birth recovery journey. Our dedicated women's health physiotherapists will assess your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and overall well-being. This personalized check-up allows us to identify any areas needing attention and provide tailored guidance to optimize your healing process. It also offers a roadmap for safely returning to more intense exercise, ensuring you feel empowered, supported, and in control of your health.
2.
When should I book my post partum assessment?
At Women's Health Hub, we recommend booking your postpartum assessment at least 3-6 weeks after giving birth. Here’s why: Physical Recovery: The postpartum period is crucial for healing and adjustment. It is recommended to see us between 3-6weeks as this enables us to implement evidence based treatment to assist in your healing and recovery of abdomen and pelvic Waiting at least 6 weeks allows your body time to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, including the shrinking of the uterus, healing of vaginal tissues, and stabilization of hormone levels. Time for Adaptation: This period allows you to adapt to your new role as a mother, establish routines, and understand any specific concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. Hormonal Balance: Hormonal fluctuations post-childbirth can impact your emotions, breastfeeding, and physical recovery. Allowing time for these levels to stabilize ensures more accurate assessments during your postnatal check. Early Complication Identification: Waiting until the 6-week mark enables our physiotherapists to better identify any potential complications or concerns related to your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, or overall well-being, ensuring a more accurate assessment and tailored treatment plan. Maternal Bonding and Support: The initial weeks post-childbirth are essential for bonding with your newborn and focusing on their care. Scheduling your assessment at least 6 weeks postpartum allows you to prioritize this bonding time while also receiving the focused care and attention you deserve. Booking your postpartum assessment at Women's Health Hub ensures you receive comprehensive, empowering, and personalized care to support your recovery and well-being.
3.
What will the physiotherapist look for during the check?
Our skilled women's and pelvic health physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination during your Postnatal Check, assessing the following areas: Pelvic Floor Function: We evaluate the strength, endurance, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles to identify any concerns such as weakness, incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse. Our pelvic floor checks may include ultrasound and internal examinations where appropriate, but we are completely happy to work with whatever level of assessment you feel comfortable with. Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti): We check for any separation or weakness in the abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy. Understanding the degree of separation allows us to develop a tailored treatment plan to aid in your recovery process. Overall Well-being: Our physiotherapists discuss your general health, mental well-being, and any concerns you may have regarding postpartum recovery. We believe in a holistic approach that considers your overall wellness. It is estimated that a minimum of three consultations will be required to complete a detailed assessment. The first consultation typically involves a discussion to understand your body in detail, including your birth story, medical history, abdominal separation, and bowel and bladder habits. Please book a 'Women's Health Initial Consultation' if you are a new client, or a '1 Hour Extended Consultation' if you are a current client. We recommend scheduling two 45-minute follow-up consultations at 2 and 4 weeks after your initial assessment. At Women's Health Hub, our comprehensive, empowering, and personalized care ensures that you receive the support and guidance needed for a successful postpartum recovery.
4.
What is the incidence of prolapse and abdominal separation after childbirth?
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common concern after childbirth, affecting approximately 50% of individuals who have given birth vaginally. Prolapse can also happen in women who haven’t had a baby, mainly if they have a chronic cough, strain on the toilet or lift very heavy loads. This condition occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal canal. Additionally, abdominal separation, known as diastasis recti, affects up to 60% of postpartum individuals. While these conditions are prevalent, it's important to remember that with proper care, guidance, and targeted exercises, many patients can effectively manage and improve their symptoms. At Women's Health Hub, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to help you navigate these challenges and enhance your recovery.
5.
When is it safe to return to exercise after childbirth?
Every woman's postnatal journey is unique, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. During your postpartum check, our physiotherapist will assess your specific situation, considering factors such as the type of delivery, your overall health, and any complications you may have experienced. We collaborate closely with our Women’s Health Exercise Physiologist, who will evaluate your needs and design a personalized program tailored to help you achieve your goals—whether that's jumping on the trampoline with your child in the future or training for a marathon. We are dedicated to providing individualized guidance to ensure your safe return to exercise. Our nurturing approach emphasizes gradual progression, listening to your body, and promoting self-care throughout the postpartum recovery process. At Women's Health Hub, we empower you to confidently embrace your postpartum fitness journey.
6.
How late is "too late" for a post partum check?
While it's ideal to schedule a postpartum check at 3-6 weeks after giving birth, there’s no strict deadline for doing so. Prioritizing your postpartum health is essential, no matter when you arrange the appointment—there's no such thing as being "too late" to seek care and support. At Women's Health Hub, we recognize that life can be busy and unpredictable, making it sometimes challenging to book a postpartum check right away. We're committed to providing care and support at any stage of your postpartum recovery. Whether it's been a few months or even years since you gave birth, reaching out for a postpartum check remains valuable. Our physiotherapists are experienced in addressing postpartum concerns at various stages of your recovery journey. What You Can Do: Book an appointment with our Women's Health Physiotherapist or our Women's Health Exercise Physiologist at www.womenshealthhub.au/bookings. Remember, seeking postpartum care is a positive step towards your well-being, regardless of how much time has passed since childbirth. Our clinic is dedicated to offering nurturing, consent-focused care and supporting you throughout your postpartum journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our clinic. We're here to support you at any stage of your postpartum recovery. If you’re looking for experienced women's and pelvic health physiotherapy, our team at Oakville and Rouse Hill would love to help. Book via the link above.