So much is changing with our bodies as we go through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. We often need a variety of folks to support us through these changes. Some professionals you may want to utilize include lactation consultants, doulas, counselors, psychologists/psychiatrists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists to name a few.
Our ever growing city, Columbus, Ohio, has a thriving community of birth workers and perinatal care specialists. If you’ve had a baby, your pelvic floor isn’t quite the same as it once was. It’s common to hear moms joke about “pee-sneezes” (or running, or coughing, and don’t even mention jumping on a trampoline!). We may poke fun at how our bodies have changed since having kids, but the reality is our bodies have done amazing work and served us and our babies well.
In return, we should care for them and seek what are often much needed therapies and exercises to help us regain our normal functions. When it comes to our pelvic floors it’s important to know what is normal and who to go to for help when struggling with complications such as incontinence, painful sex, perineum pain from tears during childbirth, or diastisis recti (the separation of the abdomen muscles). Here are a few local options to check out for pelvic floor therapy and exercises:
Pelvic Floor & More – Provides specialized in-home and clinical setting pelvic floor occupational therapy and learning sessions around the city
The Educated Pelvis – Offers pelvic health physical therapy through in-home and clinical setting evaluations and treatments
Core Strong Physical Therapy – Offers a variety of physical therapy programs with an emphasis on core stability and pelvic floor health emphasizing proper strengthening and exercise to meet changing needs
OSU Women’s Health and Rehabilitation – Offers specialized care and Physical Therapy for health conditions unique to women
Restore Physical Therapy – Prenatal physical therapy, postnatal physical therapy and online coaching
Strong Body Strong Mama – Exercise Specialists offering tailored online and in person sessions for pre- and postnatal moms
Simpli Whole – In home and telehealth pelvic floor physical therapy
Dr. Kayla Borchers Prenatal and postpartum physical therapy, orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy, wellness consults, yoga and group fitness
Fitness Matters Columbus, Grandview, and Westerville locations with physical therapists who specialize in treating all forms of pelvic pain
Are you familiar with other local pelvic floor resources or exercise classes? Comment below to share with us!
About the author: Julie Oberholzer is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with Nurture Columbus, in Columbus, Ohio. With her background in Public Health and Lactation, she enjoys meeting with parents and new babies, helping them on their feeding journey and supporting them as they find their new normal.