Women’s Health: Postpartum Fitness and Where to Begin
First, I want to start by congratulating you. You just brought a tiny human into the world, that is huge! Truly, it is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and you did it. Even if you gave birth years ago, this could still apply to you. The postpartum period can last well beyond the six-to-twelve-week mark, where we get clearance from our doctor to start light exercise again. This is where focusing on postpartum fitness becomes crucial.
There is so much to say surrounding the topic of postpartum health, but today I want to focus on postpartum fitness and where to begin. Your pelvic floor goes through a major shift while growing your little one and the birthing process, whether that is vaginal birth or c-section. Because of this, it is so important to give yourself proper healing time and exercises to restore its natural function. Depending on how you gave birth can also affect your recovery and what you will need to address to return to daily activities and physical fitness. That is where pelvic floor physical therapy comes into play and is the perfect place to start your fitness journey.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy 
Let’s break down what your pelvic floor is and what functions it serves. Both men and women have a pelvic floor, and this is classified as the muscles and tissues that support your pelvis that house your uterus, bowels, and bladder. Have you ever heard of pelvic floor physical therapy? Most women (and men) I’ve encountered are unfamiliar with it, but if you have, that’s great! PFPT can help you re-learn how to breathe properly, and yes, I said breathe properly. Who knew there was a wrong way to breathe? It also helps you to relearn how to engage and activate your core muscles that serve a daily purpose in everything we do from sitting, to standing, to holding our growing kids and much more. If you delivered via c-section, working with a PFPT to mobilize your scar tissue will aid in breathing and core restoration.
How Do I Know If This Applies to Me?
Many women experience postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction without realizing it. You may have also been told, “you just had a baby, that is normal!” I am here to share with you, it may be common, but it is not normal. Pelvic floor dysfunction can look like diastasis recti, bladder incontinence, sexual dysfunction, back and hip pain, postural changes, feeling like you can’t take a deep breath, still looking “pregnant” even after birth and much more. If you find yourself struggling in any of these areas it would be a great time to discuss with your care provider seeking out a pelvic floor physical therapist. After all your hard work to grow and birth a human, it is time to get the proper help and healing you need to be strong and continue to thrive in your postpartum era. Let pelvic floor physical therapy help you take that first step.
Author
