I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now…
I always knew I wanted to be a mother, and as a young newlywed who married her highschool sweetheart, we wasted no time after I passed my boards and became a physical therapist.
I quickly accepted a job at a practice I had been a student at, which was great. It was an easy transition, I love it. A few short months later, we were expecting. Not sure my employer was too thrilled - but we were!
I was an orthopedic physical therapist. I didn’t even know pelvic floor physical therapy existed. Truthfully, we had gotten maybe a 2 hour lecture on pelvic health in the last semester of PT school. Pregnancy was fairly simply, manageable symptoms, worked full time without any major issues. Until my daughter decided to come 5 weeks early. Without any previous experience being pregnant, no support doula or friends who’d had babies yet, I had no idea I was even in labor. Until there was no turning back. Fortunately, my daughter was born without a stay in the NICU, and only minor adaptations that resolved fairly quickly.
My own recovery was rough. I followed the doctors orders, which were essentially take it easy, you’ll be good to go at 6 weeks. I decided to run a 10 miler, which I did, but probably shouldn’t have.
Fast forward 6 years, we found out our son was coming soon. At that time, I had been dabbling in pelvic health for about 2 years, and sought care from colleagues DURING my pregnancy. After an emergency c-section, I knew I needed care AFTER my birth as well. Heaviness, incontinence, scar pain, severe weakness…I had it all.
Now I’m happy to say I CAN run without leaking, I love lifting heavy things, and yeah, I still have a bit of diastasis, but I am not bothered by it as it doesn’t limit anything I do.
So here is what I try to impress upon every one of my patients:
Physical Therapy Care / Education DURING pregnancy is invaluable. Do it.
Physical Therapy AFTER birth, no matter what type of birth you experience, is necessary.
Advocate for yourself during and after your pregnancy if things don’t feel right. Don’t let your complaints be brushed aside, as you are the only one who feels your body.
Don’t push it hard too soon after birth, allow yourself time to heal. Then seek the guidance of a trained professional to resume exercise.
Utilize support if you can! Doulas, Mental Health Counselors and Lactation Consultants are so much more valuable than Google!
Each person experiences birth in their own way, and this was my personal experience. I love listening to and being a part of your story.
