Embracing Postpartum Healing

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Benefits of Working with a Kelowna Physiotherapist
3. Benefits of working with a Counsellor in Kelowna
4. How Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Affects Quality of Life and Mental
Health at Home
5. How Postpartum Pelvic Floor Challenges Impact Social Interactions and
Relationships
6. Existential Fears and Angst and other emotions that commonly arise During
Postpartum Recovery
7. Exercises for Supporting Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery: Focusing on the
ground up
8. Mental Health Strategies for Coping with emotions related to Postpartum Pelvic
Floor Struggles and postpartum in general.
9. Practical Tips for Implementing Physiotherapy and Counselling in Postpartum
Recovery
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. If You Are Looking For A Kelowna Counsellor Or Physiotherapist In Kelowna To
Help With postpartum emotions and physical changes Here Is Where To Find Us
12. Conclusion
13. References

Navigating Postpartum Recovery: The Intersection of
Physiotherapy and Mental Health

Introduction

Postpartum recovery is a multifaceted journey that extends far beyond physical healing. For
many new mothers, the changes in their bodies, particularly those involving the pelvic floor, can
intertwine with emotional and mental health challenges. This blog explores how physiotherapy
and counselling can work hand-in-hand to support women through these changes brought on
through the gift of childbirth. Drawing from the experiences of countless mothers and scientific
literature, we will delve into the physical impacts of postpartum pelvic floor issues, their links to
mental well-being, and practical strategies for recovery. Whether you are dealing with
incontinence, pain, or feelings of anxiety or depression, understanding these connections can
empower you to seek holistic care. In Kelowna, local experts such as Kelowna pelvic floor
physiotherapist Sonja Schaefer or Kelowna counsellor Timothy Lamont are dedicated to helping
you reclaim your strength and serenity during this pivotal time.

Benefits of Working with a Kelowna Physiotherapist

Engaging a Kelowna physiotherapist specializing in postpartum care can significantly enhance
your recovery process. These professionals focus on rebuilding core strength and addressing
pelvic floor weaknesses that often arise after childbirth. Key benefits include improved bladder
and bowel control, which helps prevent issues like urinary incontinence that affect up to one in
three women postpartum (Moossdorff-Steinhauser, Berghmans, Spaanderman and Bols, 2021).
Physiotherapy also aids in reducing pelvic pain and promoting better posture, which can alleviate
back strain from carrying and feeding your baby. For those with diastasis recti (separation of
abdominal muscles), targeted exercises can restore core strength and functioning, allowing you
to return to daily activities with confidence and stability (literally and figuratively!). In Kelowna,

postpartum physiotherapists like those at SCS Physio offer personalized plans that incorporate
the client’s schedule, stage of progress, and energy levels, all of which help enhance
protocol/exercise adherence, mobility, and quality of life. Early intervention, ideally starting
before six weeks postpartum (Selman, et al., 2022), can prevent long-term complications and
support a smoother transition back to exercise or work. Overall, working with a local Kelowna
pelvic floor physiotherapist not only accelerates physical healing but also boosts your emotional
resilience by restoring a sense of control over your body.

Benefits of Working with a Counsellor in Kelowna

Counselling provides essential emotional support during the postpartum period and beyond,
helping mothers navigate the psychological shifts that accompany physical changes. One major
benefit is the management of mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or anxiety, which
affect about 10-20% and 10-15% of women respectively (Garapati, et al., 2023) and can be
exacerbated by physical discomforts like pelvic floor issues. Through talk therapy, a Kelowna
counsellor can help process feelings of overwhelm, isolation, or identity loss, fostering coping
skills that improve daily functioning and relationships. In Kelowna, counsellors at places like
Unyielding Health & Wellness specialise in conversations around perinatal mental health,
offering strategies to build self-compassion and reduce anxiety related to body image, parenting
pressures, or societal expectations (among other concerns). Integrating counselling with
physiotherapy creates a comprehensive approach, as emotional well-being directly influences
physical recovery; Women who feel supported mentally often adhere better to exercise regimens,
leading to faster improvements in pelvic health (Navarro-Brazález, et al., 2021).

How Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Affects Quality of Life and Mental Health at
Home

Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), which includes symptoms like incontinence,
prolapse, or pain, can profoundly disrupt daily life at home. Simple tasks such as lifting your
baby, housekeeping, or even sitting comfortably may become challenging, leading to frustration
and reduced independence. This physical limitation often cascades into mental health struggles,

with studies showing that women with PFD are more prone to depression and anxiety due to the
constant stress, embarrassment, and temporary loss of their agency over their own body (Modak,
et al., 2023). These issues might manifest as avoidance of activities, sleep disturbances from
discomfort, or heightened irritability, straining family/social dynamics. Overall, untreated PFD
diminishes health-related quality of life, affecting emotional reactions, energy levels, and self-
esteem. Addressing this through integrated care from a Kelowna physiotherapist and counsellor
can restore normalcy, allowing mothers to engage more fully in nurturing their families without
the shadow of physical or emotional burden.

How Postpartum Pelvic Floor Challenges Impact Social Interactions and Relationships

Pelvic floor challenges can extend beyond the home, influencing social life and intimate
relationships. Incontinence or pain may cause hesitation in attending social gatherings, leading to
isolation and strained friendships as mothers opt out of outings or playdates. This withdrawal can
amplify feelings of loneliness, a common trigger for postpartum mental health issues
(Adlington, et al.,2023). In romantic relationships, issues like dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
often arise, affecting intimacy and potentially causing emotional distance between partners.
Communication breakdowns may follow, with one partner feeling rejected or the other
inadequate. Socially, the stigma around these "invisible" problems can prevent open discussions,
exacerbating and/ or prolonging negative thoughts and feelings. However, with support from a
Kelowna postpartum physiotherapist to alleviate physical symptoms and a Kelowna counsellor
to rebuild confidence, many women report improved connections (Zhao, et al., 2025) turning
these challenges into opportunities for deeper relational bonds.

Existential Fears and Angst and Other Emotions That Commonly Arise During
Postpartum Recovery

Postpartum recovery often stirs deep emotional currents, including existential fears about
identity, mortality, and purpose. Many mothers grapple with angst over losing their pre-baby self,
questioning "Who am I now?" amid role shifts. Fears of inadequacy as a parent or concerns
about the baby's health can evoke profound anxiety, sometimes manifesting as intrusive thoughts

about harm or loss.Other common emotions include overwhelming sadness (baby blues affecting
up to 80% of mothers), irritability, or guilt over not feeling instant joy. Pelvic floor struggles can
intensify these, linking physical vulnerability to emotional fragility. Recognising these as normal
yet addressable through therapy with a Kelowna counsellor can help normalise the experience,
reducing isolation and paving the way for acceptance and growth.

Exercises for Supporting Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery: Focusing on the Ground Up

These exercises are safe to start right after giving birth, or whenever you feel ready to
begin. Everyone's postpartum journey is different and some people may not feel ready to
begin these exercises until 2-3 weeks postpartum. Trust yourself, you know your body! 
1. Walking 5-15 min at low intensity, 1-2 times per day.
2. Restorative breathing: Lay down or sit nice and tall with your spine in neutral. Place
your hands on each side of your lower ribs. Take a big inhale. Try to expand your
lower ribs sideways into your hands. Think about breathing 360 degrees into your
diaphragm, almost like you are trying to send your breath down into your pelvic floor.
Repeat 5-10 times, 2-3 times a day. 

3. Gentle core activation: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Optional: place a
rolled up towel under the curve of your lower back (this will help you maintain your
neutral spine). Inhale and open your knees to the side, while keeping your pelvis still.
Exhale to engage your lower abdominals and bring the knees back up. Do 3 sets of
5-10 reps, 1 time per day. 
4. Mini bridge: squeeze your glutes (bum muscles) to lift your buttocks a couple of
inches off of your bed or the floor. Slowly lower back down. You should not feel this
in your lower back. Do 3 sets of 5-10 reps, 1 time per day. 

Mental Health Strategies for Coping with Emotions Related to Postpartum Pelvic Floor
Struggles and Postpartum in General

Postpartum anxiety and depression show up in all areas of life, from our thoughts, behaviours,
and socially. Some examples of these include:

Psychologically: Self-esteem, body-image, and confidence deficits may be present. Often in the
form of self-defeating thoughts and beliefs such as “I should be able to do [given activity],
because I am struggling with that right now, I’m no good”. “My body does not look or perform
how I think it should, I am less of a person because of that”. “I am letting down my family in my
current weaker state, I can’t stand it!”. All of these types of thoughts take away from our quality
of life, and do not offer any productive or helpful

Behaviourally: Avoidance of situations, activities, and people that are normally participated
in/with, creating isolation and detracting from quality of life. Often these arise from very real
fears of pain arising when moving the body in certain ways or happening when out of the
comfort and remedies of the home. Perhaps emboldening feelings and thoughts of being a
failure, uselessness, isolation, or helplessness.

Socially: Embarrassment from incontinence, or the perception of letting others down as you
“aren’t your usual self that they love to interact with”, negative comparisons to others who are
seemingly managing postpartum recovery “better than you”

Some strategies to address these concerns might be:

Psychologically:

1. Reflecting on these self-defeating thoughts and questioning the benefit they
provide you (if any) with reflective questions like “How is this thought helpful to
me?”; “What evidence is there that my social circle thinks less of me, because of
my diminished capabilities”.
2. Creating a set of self-coping statements to counter these types of self-defeating
thoughts and turn them towards self-helping ones when they arise. Self-helping

thoughts such as “I would prefer it if I were able to participate in [activity] as I
normally would, but right now I am recovering from a significant physical
change”. These statements can shave the edge off negative emotion and free up
the mind from doom and gloom.

3. Accepting your current situation for what it is, the situation, and not identifying
with it personally. You are not postpartum mental health concerns, you are an
individual that is experiencing new challenges.

Socially:
Building up the courage to have an honest and open conversation with trusted friends and family
about your current challenges. During counselling, the client and counsellor could go over fears
of self-disclosure, concerns about how people would react if they knew the truth, practical
strategies to be comfortable leaving the house, or even how to face would-be embarrassing
situations with dignity, compassion, and respect for yourself and others.

Behaviourally:

Counsellors often will encourage clients to continue doing the things they usually love to do,
despite not getting the same amount of pleasure from those activities that they would in their
usual mental state. Starting on small achievable goals like preparing or ordering a favourite dish,
journalling, or taking time out of their day to reflect on positive happenings or things they are
excited about, or even times when the sadness wasn’t as present help, calling a friend or family
member for a short call. Sometimes people who are experiencing sadness wait until they are
feeling better to re-engage in their lives as they normally would. However, if one waits until they
are feeling better, they may miss the opportunity to discover that they are in fact enjoying a once
enjoyable activity despite feeling sad and unmotivated earlier in the day/week. Getting over the
hump and finding the motivation to pursue what excites you about life is often the hardest part as
anxieties, and fears of failure, poor outcomes, or negative perceptions from others tend to
increase the size of that hurdle. Talking with a counsellor can help you identify small and

manageable areas and behaviours you would be able to partake in again and start to build
momentum, whether those behaviours are home-bound or social in nature.

Practical Tips for Implementing Physiotherapy and Counselling in Postpartum Recovery

Set realistic goals: Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to pelvic exercises while incorporating
techniques from counselling sessions into your daily routine. Track progress in a journal, noting
physical improvements and emotional shifts. Use supportive tools like sitz baths for comfort and
apps/Calanders for reminders. Involve your partner in sessions for shared understanding, and
prioritise rest, aim for 6-8 weeks of gradual integration before intensifying routines. Consulting a
Kelowna pelvic floor physiotherapist alongside a Kelowna counsellor ensures a tailored, holistic
plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction? 

It is a condition involving weakened pelvic muscles post-childbirth, leading to incontinence,
prolapse, or pain.

How does postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction affect mental health? 

It can increase mental health issues like depression and anxiety due to distress and lifestyle
impacts.

When should I see a specialist? 

Consider seeing a specialist in Kelowna as soon as symptoms arise, or even pre-scheduling
services to get ahead of the curve. Treatments beginning early on often have better results, and
can limit negative effects to quality of life than starting later.

Are exercises safe right after birth? 

Recent research (Davenport et al, 2025) has shown that you do not need to wait 6 weeks to
begin exercising after giving birth. The Get Active Postpartum Self Assessment tool can be
used to help determine readiness to return to exercising (https://csep.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2025/03/CSEP-PATH_GAQ_PP_Guidelines.pdf). Trust yourself, you know
your body! If you are doing well with the exercises described above, then it is likely time to
gradually increase your exercise intensity and start including different types of exercise. If
you are unsure of how to do so, you can make an appointment with a physiotherapist to get
professional recommendations and a personalized exercise program. 
Seek help if:
-you have pain >3/10 that lasts longer than 20 min after exercise (in abdomen, scar,
perineum, anywhere!) 
-incontinence- any! You should not leak when you exercise
-feelings of pressure in perineum or around surgical (C-section) scar
-"something is just not right"

 
Can counselling help with physical recovery? 

Yes, by reducing stress that hinders healing, or helping identify barriers to following through
with physical treatments.

If You Are Looking For A Kelowna Counsellor Or Physiotherapist In Kelowna To Help
With Postpartum Emotions and Physical Changes Here Is Where To Find Us:
For expert Kelowna postpartum physiotherapy in Kelowna, please visit www.scsphysio.com
For professional counselling in Kelowna, please visit www.unyieldinghealthandwellness.ca 

Conclusion

Postpartum recovery thrives on a balanced approach that honours both body and mind. By
combining physiotherapy's physical restoration with counselling's emotional discovery and
guidance, you can navigate challenges like pelvic floor dysfunction with resilience. Remember,
seeking help from a Kelowna physiotherapist or counsellor is a strength, not a weakness. In
Kelowna, resources abound to support your journey toward wholeness—embrace them for a
brighter, healthier future with your family.

References

Adlington, K., Vasquez, C., Pearce, E., Wilson, C. A., Nowland, R., Taylor, B. L., Spring, S., &
Johnson, S. (2023). 'Just snap out of it' - the experience of loneliness in women with perinatal
depression: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 110.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04532-2

Davenport, M. H., Ruchat, S., Garcia, A., Ali, M. U., Forte, M., Beamish, N., Fleming, K.,
Adamo, K. B., Brunet-Page, E., Chari, R., Lane, K., Mottola, M. F., Neil-Sztramko, S. E.
(2025) '2025 Canadian guideline for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep
throughout the first year postpartum' British Journal of Sports Medicine. doi:
10.1136/bjsports-2025-109785

Garapati, J., Jajoo, S., Aradhya, D., Reddy, L. S., Dahiphale, S. M., & Patel, D. J. (2023).
Postpartum Mood Disorders: Insights into Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment. Cureus, 15(7),
e42107. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42107

Modak, A., Ronghe, V., Gomase, K. P., Mahakalkar, M. G., & Taksande, V. (2023). A
Comprehensive Review of Motherhood and Mental Health: Postpartum Mood Disorders in
Focus. Cureus, 15(9), e46209. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46209

Moossdorff-Steinhauser, H. F. A., Berghmans, B. C. M., Spaanderman, M. E. A., & Bols, E. M. J.
(2021). Prevalence, incidence and bothersomeness of urinary incontinence between 6 weeks
and 1 year post-partum: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International urogynecology
journal, 32(7), 1675–1693. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04877-w

Navarro-Brazález, B., Vergara-Pérez, F., Prieto-Gómez, V., Sánchez-Sánchez, B., Yuste-Sánchez,
M. J., & Torres-Lacomba, M. (2021). What Influences Women to Adhere to Pelvic Floor
Exercises after Physiotherapy Treatment? A Qualitative Study for Individualized Pelvic Health
Care. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(12), 1368. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11121368

Selman, R., Early, K., Battles, B., Seidenburg, M., Wendel, E., & Westerlund, S. (2022).
Maximizing Recovery in the Postpartum Period: A Timeline for Rehabilitation from Pregnancy
through Return to Sport. International journal of sports physical therapy, 17(6), 1170–1183.
https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.37863
Zhao, C. Y., Han, S. Q., Peng, X. C., & Liu, Z. H. (2025). Individualized pelvic floor rehabilitation
training on psychological and functional recovery in postpartum women with generalized
anxiety disorder. World journal of psychiatry, 15(6), 103738.
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