The "Magic" 6 week check-up MYTHS

We see a lot of postpartum patients. A variety of issues bring them to PT, including incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse and return to exercise, just to name a few.

The vast majority come sometime after their 6 week postpartum check up. They see their provider, get the "all clear" and more often than not are told nothing else unless they bring up an issue they are currently having. Sometimes they have to even ask for the actual referral for pelvic floor PT if they know enough to do so. 

While getting medically cleared after having a baby is obviously important, there are many issues with the current schedule and system. Let's talk about some of those issues. 

After you come home from the hospital, you are on your own for a full month and a half. Your body has just gone through an incredibly huge physical transformation, and now you also have a tiny human you have to take care of. Once that baby is out of your body, all of the attention shifts away from the mom to the baby.  He has his first pediatrician appointment 1-2 days after coming home. Then monthly check ups for the first year of his life. 

Mom get's one. 6 weeks after birthing that human. 

Are you dealing with pelvic pain? Incontinence? Low back pain? It's just a part of the recovery process and you should just "deal", right? Wrong. 

We wish we saw every mom no more than 2 weeks postpartum. 

What can we do that early? You're not fully healed, so we likely won't be doing direct work to either your C-section or perineum (where tearing may have occurred with vaginal delivery).  What CAN we work on? 

-Breathing mechanics

-Ergonomics with "baby life" to avoid injury

-Reconnecting to abdominal core and pelvic floor

-Treating low back, hip or any other musculoskeletal issues that are bothering you. 

-Teaching healthy bladder and bowel habits

-WHATEVER YOUR BODY NEEDS OTHERWISE

We treat the entire body, and labor and delivery is HARD on a body. You shouldn't have to wait for 6 weeks to feel better. 

Another issue with the "magic" postpartum check up. 

It is NOT the official OK to return to sex, workouts or ANYTHING that your body doesn't feel ready for. If your vagina or abdomen still hurts, that's a very real thing and just because you're medically "cleared" doesn't mean that you are physically cleared. 

Pelvic floor PTs can help guide you back to the activities you want to participate in- whether it's sex, running, yoga, or carrying your baby without pain.

Medical providers have a very important job, and that is keeping you and your baby healthy in pregnancy, and then delivering your baby safely. 

Let us guide you through the rest of your recovery.