The Truth About: the 6 Week Check Up

It’s been 6 weeks, time for that postpartum check up.

You get to the waiting room and are handed a questionnaire that’s supposed to give them an idea of whether you are struggling with postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

You make it to the examination room and they ask a few questions about your recovery, examine your vagina and/or C-section scar.

They ask if you want birth control, have any questions and typically clear you to return to exercise and sex.

Go back to life as usual. Sounds like a solid plan, right? Here’s the problem.

You’re not being told what “cleared” actually means.

So let me tell you.

When you get cleared at 6 weeks, it is medical clearance. It means you’ve healed well. If you had tearing or a C-section, it means your stitches are healing well, your uterus has shrunk back to its original size, there are no signs of infection, etc.

While seeing your OB-GYN is a great starting point, this clearance does not dictate your readiness to return to exercise. I repeat:

This clearance does not dictate your readiness to return to exercise.

It is not assessing the state of affairs in regards to your core and pelvic floor. There’s also no guidance on what your body needs to return to exercise in a way that’s intentional and avoids setback and injury.

So after your check up, start with seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist. They are the ones that can assess all the things in regards to your core and pelvic floor. They will look at strength, weakness, tension, your ability to get your core and pelvic floor to work together and more!

From here, it’s time to start bridging the gap between rehab and exercise. Graduating from pelvic floor PT, does not mean you’re ready to go out and run a 5k or clean and jerk a postpartum PR. (Take it from someone who did too much too soon in her first postpartum (it’s me) and navigated prolapse.)

This is the time to build back strength via progressive overload. And this is where postpartum certified coaches come in (hey, it’s me again)!

We understand the massive changes your body has experienced in pregnancy and postpartum.

We know how to individualize your workouts to help you train smart and avoid injury. We can help you do motherhood in ways that are pain free. We can help you return to whatever forms of fitness you love. We can help you with diastasis, prolapse, incontinence, low back pain, and more!

If you’re looking for help navigating your return to fitness, I have a FREE postpartum guide complete with a movement plan designed just for early postpartum mamas.

If you’re looking for more hands-on coaching and community, my LIFTwell class is a fantastic place to be for mamas in all seasons.

Learn more about all the ways you can work with me !