Postpartum
You grew and birthed a human. Your recovery deserves proper care too.
The first 12 weeks after birth, often called the fourth trimester, are physically demanding and often under-supported. Your body needs time and the right guidance to recover.
We see women from their first check at 4 to 6 weeks right through to returning to sport, running and high impact exercise. Vaginal or caesarean, straightforward or complicated, your recovery matters.
Your GP 6-week check is important, but it doesn't assess your pelvic floor, your abdominal separation or whether you're ready to exercise. That's what we do.
Your Initial Postpartum Pelvic Floor Consultation looks at:
Pelvic floor muscle function: strength, coordination, relaxation and any signs of injury
Perineal healing: including scar tissue assessment and treatment after vaginal birth
Caesarean scar assessment and hands-on treatment from 6 weeks
Abdominal separation: gap, tension and load transfer capacity
Bladder and bowel function
Prolapse screening
Core function and readiness to progress exercise
After your assessment, we will:
Explain what we found, clearly and honestly
Give you a rehab program that suits you
Tell you which exercise is right for you now, rather than a blanket "you're fine to exercise"
Refer you to our clinical psychologist if your birth has affected you emotionally
Privately billed at our initial 45-minute consultation rate. Medicare rebate available with an eligible GP care plan. Private health extras accepted.
Your physio check and your GP check do different jobs
Common pelvic floor symptoms after birth
Pelvic floor symptoms after birth are common. Common doesn't mean permanent, and it doesn't mean you have to accept them.
Symptoms we treat every day include:
Leaking with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise: common after birth, and worth getting checked
Sudden strong urges to go that are difficult to control
Difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowel
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area
Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms: common after vaginal birth, and worth getting assessed
Pain during or after sex: common after childbirth, and not something you have to put up with
Leaking wind or bowel control difficulties
All of these can be treated. Getting assessed early gives you more options. Please don't wait to see if they go away on their own.
Caesarean recovery: more than the scar
Caesarean recovery is often underestimated, by the health system and by women themselves. A caesarean goes through several layers of tissue, and healing inside continues long after the outside of the scar has closed.
We help with:
Scar assessment and hands-on treatment from 6 weeks, to help with scar movement and sensitivity
Pelvic floor rehab, because pregnancy itself affects your pelvic floor
Reconnecting your core and pelvic floor after abdominal surgery
A gradual return to exercise, timed for you
Rachel, our founder, has had two planned caesareans herself. If you've had one and assumed you don't need a pelvic floor physio, please come and see us.
Abdominal separation
Abdominal separation (rectus diastasis, or DRAM) is when the two sides of your six-pack muscle move apart along the midline during pregnancy. It’s very common.
It isn't a tear, and it isn't something to be scared of. Our goal is to get your core working well. Closing the gap completely isn't the aim.
At your assessment we evaluate:
The width and depth of the separation
The tension and load transfer capacity of the linea alba
How your core is functioning as a system
What to avoid until assessed:
Exercises that create discomfort or pain
Exercises that create doming: a bulge through the midline of your abdomen
Heavy lifting beyond your baby in the first 6 weeks
Breath holding during exertion
We'll guide you through a rehab program that fits what we find.
Returning to exercise after birth
0 to 6 weeks: Rest, gentle walking, pelvic floor exercises if cleared
4 to 6 weeks: Pelvic floor physio assessment: your starting point
6 to 12 weeks: Progressive strength training, swimming and cycling once cleared
12 to 16 weeks: More load and intensity, with guidance
16 weeks and beyond: Running and high impact exercise, once your physio clears you
There's no one timeline for returning to exercise, but timing matters. Going back too soon can bring on pelvic floor symptoms.
General guidelines:
Your GP 6-week check doesn’t clear you for all exercise. A pelvic floor physio assessment looks at whether you’re ready.
Keep going at home, at your own pace
Designed by Rachel Fitt, Director Pelvic Floor & Continence Physiotherapist
12 weeks of progressive pelvic floor and strength training
Suitable for vaginal and caesarean birth
Start from 1 week postpartum
No equipment required
Self-paced: work around nap times and feeds
Instant digital download
Evidence-based. Pelvic floor informed. Designed for real postpartum life.
Designed by Rachel Fitt, Director Pelvic Floor & Continence Physiotherapist
9-week return to running program
Suitable for vaginal and caesarean birth
Start from 12 weeks postpartum
Three sessions per week
Builds to a continuous 35-minute run
Includes strength test, warm up drills and cool down stretches
Instant digital download
Safe. Progressive. Evidence-based.
You did something huge.
Let us help you recover well.