Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Care
The body undertakes an incredible shift through pregnancy, birth and postpartum; significant physical, emotional and hormonal changes that are often not heard, understood and require support, assessment and treatment.
We are here to support every stage and all people in a safe, inclusive, holistic, patient centred approach.
Pregnancy and postnatal care requires a whole body approach through multiple lenses, from pelvic health care to musculoskeletal and orthopedic care due to the vast changes the body undergoes from pregnancy, birth to well beyond the early days postpartum.
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Pre and Postpartum Pelvic Health
Pelvic health can vary through this journey from pregnancy to birth and beyond.. This includes continence issues, bowel changes, pelvic pain, vaginal pressure and prolapse, pain with intercourse, perineal trauma, tailbone pain etc. All of these are important to address and treat at any/all stages.
Pelvic floor assessment can be done using real time ultrasound and/or internal examination. We do both, however it is dependent on the individuals choice and the pregnancy.
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Pre and Postpartum Musculoskeletal Health
The body can bring up mild, moderate and even severe muscle and joint changes. We believe in helping you keep moving, supported and active. Low back, hip, pelvic, rib/thoracic pain are all common concerns that can start in pregnancy and present after birth. We provide education, corrective exercise and supportive hands on treatment to address these concerns.
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C Section and Scar Tissue Recovery
A C section is major abdominal surgery and just like vaginal delivery often host both physical and emotional scars. Reasons for C sections vary, therefore the body post delivery requires a whole body approach through the lens of pelvic, musculoskeletal and emotional health.
Scars are a result of perineal tear repairs from vaginal birth and C section. We work to educated and provide active techniques to reduce the impact of scarring.
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Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is normal during pregnancy, as the abdominal wall needs to lengthen to accommodate the growing baby. We can support you through this with functional core exercises and education. In the postnatal period, a diastatis is variable and requires an assessment to determine if it can generate appropriate tension to support load, return to exercise and optimal pelvic health/core function. We use a real time ultasound to optimize assessment and treatment.
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Return To Exercise
Return to exercise is important to many postpartum people. There are many myths around ‘when to start exercising’ and often the ‘6 week check up’ deems one is good to go. However, research indicates that this is not accurate due to the incredible changes that occur through pregnancy, brith and beyond. A thorough evaluation and assessment is optimal to facilitate an optimal return to YOUR recreation/sport/activity of choice. We approach this through education, functional exercise, core rehabilitation for all levels recreational to elite.
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Birth Trauma Support
Birth trauma does not necessarily begin with the delivery, it can stem from experiences pre pregnancy or during pregnancy as well. And of course birth can present with many variations that can directly impact you physically, emotionally and mentally. We are here to provide a safe, supportive environment where we listen with compassion and promise to work with you to provide education, resources and any necessary referrals.