Beyond Birth: A Guide to Effective Physical Therapy in the Postnatal Period

The postnatal period begins immediately after the birth of a child, and it extends for about 6 weeks. During this period, the new mother's body begins recovering and returning to 'normal'. However, the normality following the birth of a first baby will not be identical to that before pregnancy.

Some of the most common changes that a woman might experience are:

• Near-complete lack of abdominal control while moving, talking, and laughing

• Difficulty in urination

• Retention of urine in the bladder

• Leakage of urine while coughing, sneezing, or laughing

These differences, accompanied by a plethora of other physical and emotional changes, might overwhelm a new mother. However, there are various preventive and restorative treatments that can help ease the transition into motherhood.

Ice

Ice is one of the most commonly used agents which is known to reduce pain. It is readily available anywhere and is also the cheapest form of therapy. Crushed ice can be wrapped in a cloth or put into a plastic bag and applied to the area(s) of pain for 5 - 10 minutes.

Ice cube massage is a technique in which an ice cube is held in a tissue and used by the woman herself while she is in bed or sitting on a toilet.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

These exercises are valuable for their strengthening and pain-relieving properties. They also speed healing by reducing swelling and encouraging good circulation.

They can be performed in any position that's comfortable for the woman, including lying on her back, lying on her side, sitting, or standing.

Abdominal Exercises

Abdominal exercises can be as simple as learning how to breathe correctly using the diaphragm (a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs), the main muscle used during respiration. Once the abdominal muscles start to close satisfactorily, progression to more complex exercises may be initiated.

Improving the strength of the abdominal muscles also helps in relieving constipation.

Ankle Pumps

This involves moving your feet up and down frequently and vigorously to prevent the onset of swelling in your feet and also to prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs.

Mindful Movement

Engaging in mindful practices like yoga or tai chi can promote relaxation, body awareness, and reduce stress during the postnatal period.

Proper Posture

When feeding your child, pick a chair with a backrest. When you're breastfeeding, lift your child to your breast instead of hunching to their level. When picking up items or your child, bend your knees and crouch; try not to lift anything heavy to relieve strain on your back.

It is imperative to note that getting an individualized assessment and tailored treatment program by a physiotherapist will maximize the benefits of exercise therapy and prevent the onset of complications.

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