The time following childbirth is full of changes. While many of these changes are positive, there may also be unexpected challenges. We provide focused, specialized care for women with postpartum pelvic floor concerns.
Childbirth can cause changes such as difficulty controlling urine or bowel movements, or slow healing or pain. Many women may not be aware that these changes can occur after childbirth.
Conditions we treat
Following childbirth, some women may notice new problems with:
- Constipation, including anal fissure
- Episiotomy
- Fistulas
- Infection and abnormal healing of a vaginal tear
- Intercourse that is painful
- Leakage of urine
- Loss of control of the bowels, including gas and stool
- Postpartum urinary retention, or difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Vaginal bulge or pelvic organ prolapse
- Vaginal or vulvar pain, including intercourse that is painful
These issues can be difficult or embarrassing to bring up with your family or your doctor. We established this clinic to help you manage these new problems. We help you get back to focusing on being a new parent, caring for your family, and recovering from your delivery. We work together to give you the confidence to resume your normal activities, including exercise and intimacy. The good news is that there are treatments we can use together to help your symptoms improve.
We can also assist you with referrals for :
- Postpartum mood disorder
- Food or housing assistance
- Help with breastfeeding
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team works with you to review your symptoms. We may also recommend a gentle exam, imaging studies, or bladder testing if needed. When needed, we include help from our colleagues in colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, and urology.
Our team includes physicians and nurses as well as:
- Continence specialists
- Pelvic floor physical therapists
- Social workers