During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor and core muscles undergo significant stress and strain. The weight of the growing baby, hormonal changes, and the process of labor and delivery can lead to stretching, weakening, and potential injury to these muscles.
Key reasons why postpartum rehab is crucial for the overall health and well-being of women after childbirth include:
- Physical Recovery: Pregnancy and childbirth place significant physical stress on a woman’s body. Postpartum rehab helps restore strength, flexibility, and function to the muscles and tissues that have been stretched and strained during pregnancy and delivery. It aids in healing any tears or incisions, promotes proper alignment, and assists in regaining pre-pregnancy fitness levels.
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: The pelvic floor muscles undergo substantial changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Proper pelvic floor rehabilitation can prevent or alleviate issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.
- Core Strength and Stability: The core muscles, including the abdominal and back muscles, play a vital role in providing stability and support to the spine and pelvis. Postpartum rehab targets these muscles to restore strength and stability, improve posture, and reduce the risk of back pain and injury. A strong core also helps with activities of daily living and caring for the newborn.
- Diastasis Recti Recovery: Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy. Postpartum rehab includes specific exercises to help close this gap and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Restoring the integrity of the abdominal muscles is important for core strength and overall abdominal function.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: The postpartum period is a time of significant adjustment and can bring about various emotional challenges such as mood swings, anxiety, and postpartum depression. Engaging in postpartum rehab provides an opportunity for women to focus on self-care, boost their confidence, and promote a positive body image. Physical activity and exercise also release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
- Long-term Health: Investing in postpartum rehab sets the foundation for long-term health and wellness. Restoring strength, function, and proper alignment can prevent or reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse, both in the immediate postpartum period and in the years to come.
By: Dr. Taylor Thompson, B.Sc., D.C.
After having her daughter, Dr. Taylor Thompson personally experienced the lack of proper care moms are given after that 6-week postpartum check up. Since then, she has taken additional courses and training to provide better care to moms. At the clinic, Dr. Thompson runs her Grow Co postpartum pelvic floor and core rehab course. This course includes exercises to strengthening the pelvic floor, core and gluteal muscles, learning proper breathing techniques, and improving posture. She works with moms, at whatever stage of their healing, to provide individualized exercises and progressions to return to exercise, and regular daily activities with confidence. Remember, postpartum period does not end at a certain age; It Is Forever.
Book with Dr. Taylor