Which specialist performs postnatal physiotherapy?

A postnatal physiotherapist assesses movement, breathing, abdominal and pelvic-floor function, scar comfort, posture, and the way daily activities affect symptoms. Care may address urine leakage, pelvic heaviness, separated abdominal muscles, pain with movement, or difficulty returning to exercise. The assessment is adapted to the type of birth, healing stage, feeding position, sleep demands, and any medical advice already given. Internal examination is not automatic; it should be explained and agreed to first.

Look for a physiotherapist who specifically lists women’s health, pelvic health, or postnatal rehabilitation training. Share your delivery date, birth details, stitches or surgical scars, current symptoms, and your activity goals. Wear comfortable clothing and bring questions about lifting, exercise, intimacy, or returning to work. A personalised programme may include breathing practice, graded strengthening, movement changes, and advice for feeding or carrying your baby.

Contact your maternity or medical team promptly for fever, worsening wound redness, sudden heavy bleeding, severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, or one-sided leg swelling. These concerns need medical assessment. Physiotherapy is appropriate for recovery support once urgent problems have been addressed and your clinician confirms that rehabilitation is suitable.

Ask whether you need a medical review before physiotherapy, what activities are currently suitable, and whether your scar or pelvic-floor symptoms need examination. Ask the physiotherapist how progress will be measured and which symptoms should make you pause an exercise.