A Mom’s Care In The Fourth Trimester
The three months following the delivery of your newborn – known as the “Fourth Trimester” – is without a doubt one of the most challenging times for new mothers. You’re recovering from delivery, possibly a c-section. You’re caring for a newborn and possibly struggling to breastfeed and understand your new body. And, you’re adapting to an entirely new “normal”. This is a lot for any woman to take on.
While many other countries around the world dedicate this time to caring for both mother and child, here in the U.S., the onus is often on the mother to take a proactive approach to her healthcare. The majority of women will see their doctor for a six-week postpartum checkup. Unless there is significant pain or an obvious issue, such as incontinence, most women are signed off as healthy, told they can exercise and return to their typical routines.
But what exactly does “typical” mean in this new landscape of motherhood? And what can a mom do to take better care of herself? Turns out, a lot.
One approach does not fit all
It takes a total team approach to take care of new mothers. Moms should feel like they have the team and the resources for them to get their questions answered, and have people to talk to about their concerns.
At Spooner, we work with mothers who are addressing a range of concerns. The one common denominator is that everyone wants to return to their normal activity quickly. And in this rush to regain control and normalcy in their new (often chaotic) life, injuries and pain may occur.
Every mom is different. Some may begin running three months postpartum. Others may not be ready for several more months and may need to build back up to it. Being cleared to exercise at 6 weeks postpartum is often confusing for new moms since they all have varying degrees of physical capability.
Preventing long-term postpartum issues
Women should be kind to themselves.
Give yourself at least a year. Make positive changes and steps in the right direction, but be patient with your progress. Your body has been through a lot.
Some signs to watch out for that are abnormal or clue you into that something more serious is at play:
• Leaking urine or feeling like you may not make it to the bathroom in time
• Painful intercourse
• Constipation
• Prolapse, the feeling that something is “falling out” of your inner organs or feeling constant pressure
How physical therapy can help
At Spooner, we empower women by educating them on what they can do at home, safely, to prevent prolapse and other disorders.
Physical therapy can help women prepare for the physical activities that will become their new daily habits, such as breastfeeding (leaning over a baby, picking up a baby, supporting your back), moving a car seat in and out of a car, constantly picking up a child, and more.
Physical therapy can also aid in surgery recover, such as c-sections. For example, Spooner therapists are trained to teach patients how to manage scar tissue, including special massage techniques that can aid in the healing process. Therapists can also help treat diastasis recti.
In general, physical therapists can help women adapt to motherhood by helping them prevent injuries and aid them in a safe return to activity.
If you are interested in learning more about how physical therapy can help you return to your normal activities in the fourth trimester, contact Spooner Desert Ridge at 480.502.5510 to schedule an evaluation or complimentary injury/movement screen. We are here to help new moms live their most healthy, active life.
