271: The Importance of Pelvic Health

There is an overall lack of information and education about pelvic health in the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum world. A new mother’s ability to care for her newborn has everything to do with her mental, physical, and emotional health, but modern medicine and our society have lost touch with this message. Our systems are designed to nurture the infant, neglecting to empower mothers with dignity, truth, and preparedness. Let’s change that! Join us to learn more! Dr. Laura Williams is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Board-certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist. She practices and lives in Colorado with her husband, three-year-old daughter, and a second child on the way. She founded Hearth Healing, a 100% virtual postpartum healing service as a pelvic health consultant. Although not a substitute for in-person healthcare, postpartum healing consultation should be viewed as a vital way to bridge the gap in maternal care. People deserve information about how to improve symptoms that impact their quality of life after childbirth without having to wait months or feel limited by a lack of childcare or transportation.  At Hearth Healing, Laura provides individualized answers to postpartum healing questions, early healing strategies, self-management advice, and guidance on appropriate resources, products, and providers. Our discussion focuses on the lack of information about healing after childbirth and the options during pregnancy for pelvic health. Laura explains symptoms to look out for and when to seek additional help–because pelvic health impacts mental health. Show Highlights: What “pelvic health” is and what Dr. Laura does in her work How Dr. Laura helps people prepare for the postpartum and know about available resources How pelvic health impacts bowel and bladder functions, which are often overlooked Why pelvic floor PT is necessary after certain surgeries Why pelvic health problems are a loss of function—and a physical therapist like Dr. Laura can help people maintain function and optimize their quality of life Why we need to prioritize wellness to be good parents–and to set examples for our kids Why healthcare providers need to do a better job asking the right questions and screening patients for pelvic floor health When someone should/could see a pelvic PT How Dr. Laura helps patients virtually through her practice, Hearth Healing  Resources: Connect with Dr. Laura: Website and Instagram Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!