Fiona's Story*
Step 1
Fiona discovered what mattered
Fiona (she/her) is a 38-year-old mother of 2 who experienced birth trauma and an infected episiotomy that left her feeling disconnected from her body and unable to do the activities that made her feel like herself. A friend suggested she see us when her second baby was 6 weeks old and we discovered that Fiona had a bladder prolapse, stomach muscle separation, weak pelvic floor muscles, and significant anxiety around exercise and intimacy stemming from her traumatic birth experience. Understanding that healing was possible and having a clear plan forward gave Fiona hope.
Fiona's Pelvic Health Goals:
- Feel confident to get back to the gym so I feel strong.
- Get rid of the heavy, dragging vaginal sensation and make sure it doesn’t get in the way of me living my life.
- Have a program to improve my abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, I know they are not strong enough.
- Return to sex & feel confident that it won’t be painful.
- Return to volleyball - it fills my cup and makes me feel good about myself.
Step 2
Fiona restored what mattered
Fiona committed to pelvic floor and abdominal muscle training and felt confident because the program had been designed based on an individual assessment of her muscles. We used biofeedback to help her reconnect with the pelvic floor muscles and education about prolapse and safe exercise to reduce fear and empower her. General and specific exercises (especially abdominal exercises for her separation) were gradually introduced, building her strength and confidence. We used desensitisation techniques and hands-on treatment to address episiotomy scar tissue and sensitivity. As her physical symptoms improved, stress management helped address her anxiety around intimacy and high-impact activities.
Step 3
Fiona enjoyed what mattered
It took time and effort but after 3 months Fiona returned to the gym feeling strong and capable, with the heavy dragging sensation resolved. She and her partner reconnected intimately, with Fiona feeling confident and comfortable in her body again. The day she returned to volleyball (7 months post birth) was particularly emotional - hitting the court with her team and feeling athletic and vibrant again filled her cup completely. Fiona didn't just recover from birth trauma; she rediscovered the strong, confident woman she had always been.