The postpartum period is a time of physical recovery and adjustment for new mothers. We are here to support you on your journey to healing. At Northeast Georgia Medical Center, our inpatient rehabilitation services extend to both mothers and infants, ensuring comprehensive care for the entire family.
Since 2021, NGMC’s Mother Baby (postpartum) and Acute Rehab (physical therapy) units have joined together to offer physical therapy on the postpartum unit, to those who need it after giving birth.
NGMC is one of the only health systems in the state of Georgia, and one of the few in the United States, to offer this to mothers after delivery.
Why would I need physical therapy immediately after labor and delivery?
Physical therapy can be a valuable component of postpartum care, helping women overcome the physical changes and challenges that may occur during pregnancy, labor and delivery. This can reduce the occurrence of preventable complications and readmissions to maximize 4th trimester recovery for return to normal activity.
Our physical therapists assist women who have encountered high blood pressure, postpartum hemorrhaging and deliveries via c-section recover faster and easier by teaching them the energy conservation techniques, modifications to their day-to-day activities and the ways to protect their incision sites.
Patients are evaluated after delivery to determine if physical therapy is needed on the postpartum unit.
What types of things will I do in physical therapy while in the hospital?
Together, we can assist you with learning how to do the following after giving birth:
- Positioning and movement techniques
- Proper Body mechanics for:
- Newborn care
- Activities of daily living
- Safely navigating your home environment
- Monitoring your vital signs with activity
- Initiating safe mobility and gentle exercise when appropriate
- Pain management techniques
- Energy conservation techniques
- Review of post c-section precautions (if applicable)
- Protecting your cesarean scar
Reasons to seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist
Screen for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy 6 weeks postpartum
Are you experiencing any of the following?
- Urine leakage
- Increase in urine frequency
- Trouble emptying your bladder
- Straining or having difficulty with bowel movements
- Lingering pelvic, perineal, or vaginal pain/discomfort
- C-section scar pain, discomfort, or lack of mobility
- Pain with the use of tampons/menstrual cups, with medical vaginal examinations or during intercourse
- Experience the sensation of heaviness, bulging, or something “falling out” of your vagina
- Tailbone pain
- Concerns about diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)
If you are experiencing any of these problems you may benefit from seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist to reduce/eliminate your symptoms, promote healing and optimize the function of your pelvic floor muscles as you return to your daily activities. You can also consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist if you have any concerns with returning to exercise safely. Please discuss these issues with your OB/GYN provider.
Expert Guidance
NGMC has an experienced team of medical professionals who work together to maximize the quality of maternal care and improve postpartum recovery. Our health system is dedicated to supporting the reduction of physical and psychological stressors on new moms, and for all women.
Learn more
For more information about our Women and Children’s services, click here.
For more information about our Rehabilitation services, click here.
For more information about our Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation services click here.