Olivia's Story*

Mother and child sitting on bed

Step 1

Olivia discovered what mattered

Olivia (she/her) is a 35-year-old dental nurse who was referred by her Maternal & Child Health Nurse 8 weeks after the birth of her second child Mason. Her first, Evan was 2 and not sleeping through the night. Olivia was breastfeeding Mason and noticed a sore, red area on her breast. It gradually got bigger and she was feeling unwell with a headache and fever. Since Mason’s birth, Olivia had also found herself rushing to the toilet especially when if getting to the toilet was harder when looking after her children. Working together, we discovered Olivia had an inflammatory condition of the breast, which was contributed to by fatigue and Mason dropping a feed. We also discovered weak pelvic floor muscles, high fluid intake to support breast feeding and big bladder volumes. 

Olivia's Pelvic Health Goals:

  • Understand what's causing my breast soreness and get help. 
  • To be able to feed Mason with confidence and no pain – I fed Evan until 14 months, and I want to do the same again. 
  • To be able to hold on and get to the toilet on time without rushing.
  • To feel confident to go out with my two children without worrying about my bladder – or my boobs. 

Step 2

Olivia restored what mattered

Olivia’s treatment initially focused on her breast inflammation. Education helped her understand that most episodes of mastitis aren’t infective and don’t require antibiotics and the importance of rest and self-care. Ultrasound treatment provided relief for the redness and inflammation and she found using heat and cold pre and post breastfeeding also helped. Olivia improved her pelvic floor muscle strength and learnt strategies for successful urge suppression. 

Step 3

Olivia enjoyed what mattered

Within a week, Olivia’s breast symptoms had completely resolved and she was back enjoying breastfeeding Mason. 3 months later, Olivia hadn’t experienced any further issues with her breastfeeding and was feeling confident in her bladder control. She was able to hold on when she needed and had been getting out for play dates and catch ups with friends. 

* We share these stories to help bring our pathway to life. They’re based on years of experience and thousands of people we’ve supported with various pelvic health conditions. None of these journeys is of one particular patient, though. Instead, each one is an amalgamation of many successful outcomes.

Pelvic Health Matters

New name.
Same exceptional care.

Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.

Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au