The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum

One of my biggest worries postpartum was how my body was healing after childbirth. Women have been conditioned to believe that incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and many other issues are normal to experience even years after giving birth. I knew from the research I had done, that this wasn't the case, and working with a pelvic floor physical therapist would be the key to healing and strengthening my body from the inside.

I worked with a pelvic floor PT prior to giving birth to prepare for labor and childbirth and then again around 8 weeks postpartum. During my postpartum visit, I remember feeling incredibly overwhelmed at the amount of questions asked and information we discussed. I was shown many different exercises that my already anxious and foggy brain was scrambling to try and remember. Needless to say, I never went back for a follow-up even though months later I continued to experience many of the common issues I previously mentioned.

I met Dr. Reshma Salvi later in my journey and had my first consultation with her at 10 months postpartum. Prior to our meeting, she had me fill out an extensive questionnaire regarding my health history and the issues I was currently struggling with. When we met, it was abundantly clear she had done her homework by already reviewing my questionnaire thoroughly. She jumped right in to asking me a few more follow-up questions about what was going on and we moved right along to the evaluation. Throughout the appointment, she asked me multiple times how I was feeling and if I felt ok to continue. Dr. Reshma was respectful and gentle in her approach. She really helped me feel safe and comfortable the entire time. She individualized my care based on where my recovery was at that stage and what I wanted to work on to improve. I like that Dr. Reshma kept it simple, and showed me four exercises to work on at home. She filmed me doing the exercises while her voice guided me and sent me the videos after the appointment so I would know exactly what to do on my own.

Healing postpartum is just as much emotional as it is physical and finding the right provider who understands that and helps you feel safe and supported is invaluable and Dr. Reshma has been that for me.

From all of my research and personal experiences, I learned that a healthy pelvic floor is the foundation for good bladder, bowel, reproductive, and sexual health. Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, or experiencing issues related to any of these four systems, I highly recommend investing in your well-being by finding a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help you heal.