Mia's Story*
Step 1
Mia discovered what mattered
Mia (she/her) is 35 years old and 16 weeks pregnant with her first baby. After four months of constant nausea, she finally started to feel better and was excited about staying active throughout her pregnancy and recovering fully after birth. She had heard from friends that she should do pelvic floor exercises to prevent bladder issues but wasn’t sure if she was doing them correctly. She also wanted to understand what general exercise was safe for her and the baby. Her obstetrician provided her with a voucher to Pelvic Health Matters for pregnancy screening, assessment and an individualised program. Working together, we discovered that Mia was unable to correctly contract her pelvic floor muscles and needed specific cues and biofeedback to connect with them.
Mia's Pelvic Health Goals:
- Have my pelvic floor muscles assessed and a program to ensure they're strong so I don't have bladder leakage during pregnancy or early parenthood - my mum had bladder issues and I'm worried I'll be the same.
- Get back into exercise now that I'm feeling better and maintain fitness during pregnancy - exercise has always been important to me.
- Prepare my body for birth and not be fearful of vaginal birth - my preferred outcome. My partner is also keen to learn how to support me during labour.
Step 2
Mia restored what mattered
Mia was surprised she couldn't contract her pelvic floor correctly and fully committed to an awareness and strengthening program. Previously a runner, she took up swimming for cardiovascular exercise. We designed an abdominal exercise program and connected her with a local pilates studio offering pregnancy classes. Near the end of her third trimester, we had two birthskills sessions where her partner Alice attended. They practiced positions, pelvic rocking and movement, use of TENS and fitball, relaxation and breath awareness, as well as second stage positions and effective pushing. Mia also learned about perineal massage and early postnatal care.
Step 3
Mia enjoyed what mattered
Mia attended four times during pregnancy, initially focusing on pelvic floor muscle training and later on birth preparation. She significantly improved her pelvic floor strength and endurance and felt confident about recovering well from birth. Mia and Alice enjoyed the birthskills sessions, realising they already had many pain and stress management strategies that they’d also use when sleep-deprived new parents. They approached birth confidently with a flexible plan, a range of skills and an open mind. Mia returned 6 weeks after Fox's birth with the biggest smile. Despite a long labour and first degree tear, her birth experience had been extremely positive. She was loving breastfeeding and motherhood. Her pelvic floor muscles had recovered well, and we discussed a graduated return to running.