PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM
Pelvic health physio for every stage of motherhood
You don’t need me to tell you that the body experiences dramatic changes during pregnancy – you can feel it. When you move, or lay down… When you trudge to the toilet for the fourth time in one night.
Whether you’re pregnant or in the postnatal phase, in your initial appointment, I’ll guide you through questions to uncover your symptoms and goals. All questions are welcomed.
Our first consult is $245 for one hour, and I may recommend a pelvic floor assessment as part of your treatment plan. Though, please know you’re always provided with options.
Your comfort is my priority, that’s why both internal and external pelvic floor assessment options are available at Maia Pelvic Health. An internal exam is only ever performed with your full, informed consent. The entire process will be explained upfront and the power is always in your hands to choose whether you’d prefer an internal (vaginal) examination or an external (ultrasound) assessment.
So, when should you book in with a pregnancy pelvic physio?
Any time you’re experiencing concerns (like leaking and/or pelvic pain), or as a rule of thumb from 20 weeks (when your baby is the size of a banana and has eyebrows). And postpartum, from 3 weeks.
Follow-up consults can be booked from $160 in-person or through Telehealth.
Pregnancy-related pain
Sure, you could consider yourself allergic to vacuuming, but we know that movement can improve long term outcomes. So let’s look at movements to support you (vacuuming allergy allowed).
Pregnancy pelvic health physio can help with:
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Hip and back pain
- Pubic symphysis pain
- Neck, rib and thoracic pain
- Hand and wrist conditions
Birth preparation
Now’s the ideal time to assess your pelvic floor function, get attuned with relaxing your pelvic floor and carve out time to prepare your body for the labour ahead.
Pregnancy pelvic health physio can help with:
- Perineal massage
- Pushing technique
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Active birth techniques
- Pain management tools
- Labour and birth positions
Postnatal recovery
Let’s tenderly discuss your birth. Hold space for it and review the anatomical effects of this on your body to map a plan forward. I’m here for you with so much support.
Postpartum pelvic health physio can help with:
- Bladder function
- Perineal wound care
- Healthy bowel habits
- Abdominal separation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Caesarean rehab
1 in 3 Australian births are via caesarean. This birthing experience involves the incision in your abdomen through seven layers of tissue. So, recovery patience is key. Rehabilitation is an individualised and considered process.
The physical weight of your baby during pregnancy, the scar tissue formation following the procedure and strengthening the core are all areas we can work through together.
Postpartum pelvic health physio can help with:
- Bowel function
- Bladder function
- Abdominal separation
- Regaining core strength
- Caesarean scar massage
Return to exercise
Let’s give it up for your body. It’s grown a human, I don’t think enough people marvel at that power. It’s softened ligaments, stretched pelvic floor muscles three times their resting length for vaginal delivery or experiences an incision through several layers of skin, fat and muscle via the major abdominal surgery that is a caesarian birth.
After all these changes, a safe and gradual return to exercise is key. Let’s curate an action plan that considers your history. I recommend a checkup 3-4, 6 and 12 weeks post-birth. Especially if you plan to return to high intensity exercise, like running or CrossFit.
Postpartum pelvic health physio can help with:
- Pelvic floor assessment
- Tailored exercise program
- Tailored pelvic floor exercises
- Abdominal separation rehab
“I wanted to start exercising again after having a baby. Michelle really helped me feel like everything I was experiencing post-birth was normal and gave me the best tools and program to help me get back into being active.”
Your path to confidence with Maia Pelvic Health
Here are our steps forward. Let collaboration light our path as we navigate your pelvic health’s road ahead, together.
1. Chat
Book your initial consult for in-clinic or through Telehealth. We’ll get to know each other and uncover what your body’s telling us, and potentially why.
2. Plan
Based on your goals, we’ll create an action plan outlining milestones and a complete timeline to work towards. This is all designed to work with your lifestyle.
3. Act
Together we’ll land on daily exercises and potentially supportive tools that fit with your lifestyle. Either through self-management or in clinic, depending on circumstances.
4. Aftercare
My services are designed to have an end date. In saying that, your wellbeing genuinely matters to me, so don’t be surprised if I check in to see how you are far down the track.