Courtney's Story*
Step 1
Courtney discovered what mattered
Courtney (she/her) is a 38-year-old marketing professional who, three years after a long labour and forceps birth of her daughter, still carried the physical and emotional scars of birth trauma. She sustained a 3rd degree tear and needed a blood transfusion. At 16 months post birth she was finally diagnosed with bilateral levator avulsion and pelvic organ prolapse. In her mother's group, she felt alienated and broken while everyone else seemed fine. She kept wondering, "Am I the only one that feels like an empty, broken shell?" By the time a friend referred her to see a physiotherapist, she had significant prolapse symptoms -a constant dragging sensation, difficulty holding on for bowel movements, and mortifying bowel accidents. Working together, we discovered very weak pelvic floor muscles, extensive perineal scarring, as well as anxiety, depression and fear of future pregnancy.
Courtney's Pelvic Health Goals:
- Understand what actually happened to my body during birth - I need answers.
- Feel confident I can get to the toilet on time - I've had too many accidents
- Get rid of this constant dragging, heavy feeling and be active with my daughter without worrying I'm making my prolapse worse.
- Return to exercise - I used to love walking outside and miss feeling strong from weight training.
- Eventually enjoy pain-free sex - right now I can't even imagine it.
- Connect with other women who understand - I feel so alone.
Step 2
Courtney restored what mattered
Understanding what had happened to her body and learning she wasn't alone was exactly what Courtney needed. We focused on realistic pelvic floor and abdominal muscle training and while there were physical limitations, she could strengthen remaining muscles and learn compensatory strategies using biofeedback. We fitted Courtney with a pessary that provided immediate relief and allowed her to function normally while her muscles strengthened. Bladder and bowel retraining strategies improved her control. Hands-on treatment addressed extensive perineal scar tissue using desensitisation techniques and massage. Her physiotherapist connected her with other women who had experienced birth trauma - this peer support was transformational. Courtney discovered that one in three Australian women self-identify their birth as psychologically traumatic.
Step 3
Courtney enjoyed what mattered
After two years, Courtney's prolapse symptoms had reduced, bladder and bowel control had improved significantly, and she'd returned to walking and intimacy. The transformation wasn't just physical - Courtney decided she didn't want any more women to feel isolated like she had. She became a peer support facilitator, helping newly diagnosed women navigate birth trauma and recovery, never imagining that her worst experience could lead to helping other women.