Postnatal Care
What we do
We are specialist physiotherapists trained in pelvic health. As part of this, we can help with many symptoms or concerns which are common following pregnancy and childbirth:
Following a vaginal delivery, some women experience a perineal tear or episiotomy (a small cut around the vagina). There are lots of things that you can do to help with the healing process in this area and to rehab the pelvic floor muscles in order to ensure you regain or maintain full bowel and bladder control.
A separation of the abdominal or tummy muscles is also common following pregnancy, often called a diastasis or DRAM. This is normal in the last trimester and early weeks postnatally but should resolve soon after delivery on its own. We can teach you ways of moving your body to avoid aggravating this separation and also specific exercises to help you rehab the abdominal muscles and gain full strength and control.
You may have struggled with pelvic girdle pain, pelvic pain, lower back or hip pain in your pregnancy and it has not resolved since delivery or these may be new issues since having your baby. We carry out an assessment to identify the cause of these symptoms and teach you how to fully rehab your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and any other area that may be limiting you.
Many of our patients feel anxious about returning to full function, exercise, intercourse and work after having a baby. Our aim is to reassure you regarding normal healing times and postnatal recovery and help you gain strength and control of any symptoms you may be experiencing (or prevent you from experiencing any future symptoms).
Who is it for?
Our service is for anyone who has recently been pregnant and has physical symptoms or concerns regarding full return to their pre-pregnancy self.
Can anyone use this service?
Yes, you can be referred by your GP, Midwife, Consultant, Continence nurse or other therapist.
You can also self-refer by calling 01443 715012 for a self-assessment form.
Opening Times
8am – 4pm Monday to Friday
What to expect
Our admin team will contact you either by telephone or post. Depending on the reason for your referral to us, you will either be given a 1:1 appointment with a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist or a video link to an online education session first. This video will teach important self-help information for new Mums. It will give you lots of valuable information on the pelvic floor muscles & how to fully strengthen them, their role in bladder & bowel health, along with lots of handy tips on regaining your pre-pregnancy strength and fitness.
After watching this, you can arrange an individual assessment with a female, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, which will be carried out in a private treatment room. An internal vaginal assessment may be indicated in order to assess your pelvic floor muscles and decide on the best treatment for you. If you have had a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear during childbirth, we may suggest a rectal assessment too in order to ensure that this area is healing well and has sufficient strength and control to maintain continence.
If you would like a chaperone for the assessment, please let us know in advance so that we can organise this.
Please do not reschedule an appointment during your period as there are always other assessment and treatment options available at this time.
If you are taking any medication, please bring a list to your first appointment.
Contact us
Our admin team can be reached on 01443 715012 between 8:30 and 15:30. We currently offer appointments at Princess of Wales Hospital, The Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, and Prince Charles Hospital. If you would prefer your assessment and treatment to be carried out in Welsh, this is possible currently at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon Hospital, Mountain Ash. Please request this when phoning to book your appointment. It is important that you let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your agreed appointment. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to another patient and therefore keep our waiting lists as short as possible. Failing to attend without prior notice may result in being discharged from our service.
We welcome patient feedback and suggestions on how we can continue to improve the service we offer so please get in touch with any comments you may have or if you wish to speak to one of the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team.
