Useful tips after birth

Now many of you may think that this topic is not physiotherapy-related, but the job of a women’s health physio sometimes involves treating patients within hours of them giving birth. In these cases, we provide general advice on advisable body positions, as well as treating the patient for the uncommon discomforts post-labour.

My number one tip of the day would be to keep drinking water, and lots of it. You may quite often hear many of the different medical professionals say this, but this is because it affects so many systems in the body that it is an all round good substance for the body. Many might recall the soreness down below when urinating. Now the water can change the pH of your urine making it sting less. If you find it very painful when you urinate then you can pour water on yourself, down the toilet whilst urinating. I might also add that doing your pelvic floor exercise can also increase the healing time as it increases blood flow. (There is just no escaping those pelvic floor exercises).

While on the topic of soreness, some patients have told me they have difficulties in sitting on a hard chair. So here is another piece of DIY make it yourself equipment advice. Take a towel and roll it up into a sausage shape. Then place the towel in a horse shoe shape on the chair and sit on the chair, thus relieving you of putting pressure on the pain. 

While you are not in company or even if you are you can put some ice on the sore area. The recommended method would be to use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel. It is best to do this 10 minutes at a time, giving yourself a 10 minute brake before repeating. 

One of the less talked about problems that can follow is constipation. Whilst on the toilet, put a foot stool (mind the pun) under your feet to raise your legs, knees bent hips flexed above 90. This creates a smoother route for the stool to exit your body.  

I don’t talk about it much, as physiotherapists are very much advocates for exercise, but do remember to rest after giving birth. Birth is a wonderful and traumatic event on your body and rest will help improve healing times.

If you suffer from any type of muscle pain during or after pregnancy and would like to book an appointment, please contact me on 0544485086 or by email to tamaramay.physio@gmail.com.  I can arrange to see you in Bishvilaych Women's Comprehensive Medical Centre in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem or a home visit if you live in Gush Etzion.