6 Week Postpartum Pelvic Floor Check
The Reality of the 6-Week Milestone
Most birthing people receive a "clear for exercise" at their 6-week OB-GYN or midwife appointment. While this is an important medical milestone for healing, it rarely assesses how your body actually moves or how your pelvic floor and core are functioning under load.
Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth, your body has undergone a massive transition. At NOLA Pelvic health our 6-week postpartum follow up is designed to bridge the gap between "healed" and "ready to thrive."
What To Expect at a Postpartum Pelvic Floor PT Visit:
We don’t just look at one area of your body; we look at the system and how it functions as a whole. In addition, we are always keeping your interests and goals in mind as we think about what movement patterns may be more beneficial to tackle on day 1.
Before we begin our assessment, we will offer the space to take a deeper dive into how your delivery went. We think this is an important step for recovery - many women don’t get to talk about the nitty gritty details of their birth and our office space allows you to bring all of that energy with you to your appointment.
Afterwards, with consent, we will perform a whole body assessment which can include looking at:
Abdominal Wall & Diastasis Recti Screening: We check for more than just a "gap." We assess the tension of the linea alba, core strength, and how your core manages pressure when you lift, breathe, and move.
Pelvic Floor Function: A detailed look at strength, endurance, and—importantly—the ability to fully relax. Additionally, we screen for prolapse, heaviness, and any coordination issues.
Scar Tissue Health: Whether it’s a C-section scar or perineal tearing, we assess for mobility and sensitivity to ensure the tissue isn't restricting your movement or causing discomfort.
Breathing & Pressure Management: How you breathe can dictate how your pelvic floor feels and moves. We ensure good ribcage and thoracic mobility to optimize breathing function and pressure management.
Functional Movement Screen: We watch how you squat, lunge, and carry your baby to ensure optimal body mechanics to prevent or manage any back, hip, or pelvic pain.
Who Is This For?
This check-in is for anyone who is 6 weeks postpartum or 10 years postpartum. If you’ve never had a pelvic floor assessment after baby, it’s not too late! This postpartum assessment is perfect for anyone who wants to:
Return to Impact: Get back to running, CrossFit, or HIIT safely.
Address Symptoms: Resolve leaking, pelvic heaviness, or "doming" in the abdomen.
Prevent Future Issues: Build a functional foundation before increasing exercise intensity.
Understand Their Body: Get clear answers on what is "normal" versus what is common but treatable.
The RoadMap to Recovery
We know that true healing doesn't happen in a single appointment. That’s why we our 6-week assessment transitions into a Hybrid Recovery Program. We combine the precision of in-person clinical care with the convenience of digital programming.
Phase 1: The In-Person Foundation A comprehensive, 1-on-1 clinical evaluation of your pelvic floor, core, and functional movement. We identify exactly where your body needs support.
Phase 2: Your Digital Program Based on your assessment, you receive a customized exercise plan delivered through our app. No more guessing if your workouts are moving you in the right direction—you'll have videos and instructions right on your phone.
Phase 3: Ongoing Support & Progression As you get stronger, your program evolves. We stay connected through digital check-ins, ensuring you are hitting your milestones for returning to running, lifting, or high-impact exercise safely without feeling overwhelmed or having regression in care.
The "Why" Behind Our Approach
As pelvic health specialists, we believe that postpartum care should be proactive, not reactive. You shouldn't have to wait for a "problem" like incontinence or pain to seek support. This assessment gives you a roadmap for your specific recovery, allowing you to return to the activities you love with total confidence.