The journey of motherhood is filled with profound changes, not least of which are the physical adjustments your body undergoes following childbirth. No matter how you’ve given birth, the postpartum period is a crucial time for healing and adapting to life with your new baby. Understanding these changes and knowing how to adjust your daily activities can significantly enhance your recovery. Moreover, incorporating physical therapy into your postpartum care can be a game-changer in regaining your strength and health. We consider it a privilege at EW Motion Therapy to walk alongside new moms and help them work towards their goals. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can read on to learn about how your daily activities need to be adjusted after you give birth.
Understanding your body after childbirth
Immediate changes after birth
Childbirth marks the beginning of the postpartum period, during which your body undergoes several changes to return to its pre-pregnancy state. For those who have had a vaginal delivery, common immediate postpartum experiences include soreness in the perineal area, fatigue, and the onset of contractions as the uterus begins to shrink back to its original size. On the other hand, a cesarean birth, which is a major abdominal surgery, involves a longer recovery period due to the healing of surgical wounds.
Long-term physical changes
Over the weeks and months following delivery, several long-term changes may occur. These include hormonal fluctuations that can impact your emotional and physical well-being, as well as changes in pelvic floor strength leading to conditions like urinary incontinence. You may also experience alterations in joint stability due to the lingering effects of relaxin, a hormone that makes the ligaments more flexible during pregnancy. Both types of deliveries can also lead to weakened core muscles, which are crucial for overall stability and strength.
Adjusting daily activities during postpartum recovery
The first six weeks
During the initial six weeks, the focus should be on healing and gradual reintroduction of activities. If you've had a cesarean birth, activities such as driving, lifting heavy objects, or any strenuous exercises are not advisable until after your doctor's approval. For vaginal births, while the recovery might be quicker, it's still important to avoid overexertion to prevent issues like pelvic organ prolapse.
Beyond six weeks
As you move beyond the six-week mark, your activities can include more moderate exercise. However, the key is to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. It's not uncommon for new moms to experience feelings of frustration due to the limitations imposed by their postpartum body. It's important to set realistic expectations and gradually increase the intensity of your physical activity.
Physical therapy during postpartum recovery
Early postpartum physical therapy
Physical therapy can begin as early as a few weeks postpartum, particularly with a focus on pelvic floor and core muscle training. A specialized physical therapist can provide exercises to help address issues in the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and bowels. For those recovering from a cesarean birth, physical therapy can also include gentle mobilization techniques to prevent scar tissue build-up and facilitate healing.
Long-term benefits of physical therapy
Continuing with physical therapy can provide long-term benefits, including improved posture, reduced back pain, and enhanced core strength. Physical therapists also play a crucial role in educating new moms on safe baby care practices, like proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries. This guidance is invaluable as you navigate the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
Integrating physical therapy into your routine
Incorporating physical therapy into your postpartum care doesn't require extensive changes to your daily routine. Many therapists will provide exercises that can be done at home, which is particularly beneficial for new moms managing a busy schedule. Additionally, many physical therapy practices, including ours at EW Motion Therapy, offer personalized sessions tailored to the unique needs of postpartum women, ensuring that you receive the most effective and appropriate care.
The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional changes. Adapting your daily activities to accommodate your body's healing process and integrating physical therapy can greatly enhance your recovery and overall well-being. Remember, each woman's recovery journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s crucial to be patient with your body and consult with healthcare professionals to tailor a postpartum plan that best suits your needs.
At EW Motion Therapy, we are committed to assisting you through this transformative phase with expert care and support. The goal of our women’s health team is to help you heal, regain strength, and return to your favorite activities pain-free, at your own pace. If you have questions about how physical therapy can aid your postpartum recovery, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.
