Health and Wellness

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Breathing for Pelvic Floor Health & Recovery

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Breathing for Pelvic Floor Health & Recovery

Breathing well often tends to be forgotten as a key element during pregnancy or postpartum & can have significant effects on our bodies. Other factors that may affect diaphragm expansion include poor abdominal tone, a tense or tight pelvic floor, poor posture, and habitual shallow breathing. This is where a qualified pelvic floor PT (that’s us!) can help by assessing your specific needs and developing an individualized treatment plan. It can never hurt to at least get assessed! Breathing is one of our primal needs – and doing it well will always pay off!

Stress- it affects more than you know!

Stress- it affects more than you know!

Stress is a natural reaction that your body has when change or challenge in your life occurs. Your body is designed to react to stress in certain ways. Originally a survival mechanism, stress today looks very different than it did for our ancestors. Stress responses can be positive – like keeping you vigilant and alerting you to danger. However, stress can also be negative – particularly with chronic stress without periods of release.

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum Anxiety

As a new parent, anxiety is a normal feeling to experience as you learn to treat old paths in a new way. However, just as we discussed last month about postpartum depression, there can come a point where anxiety about postpartum becomes postpartum anxiety (PPA). PPA is when a person experiences severe anxiety after childbirth or becoming a parent. These feelings can feel out of control and take over your thoughts. PPA appears to have a greater prevalence than postpartum depression, but is often underrecognized and undertreated.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression

up to 15% of new moms may experience a more severe and longer-lasting version called postpartum depression (PPD). PPD may occur if the “baby blues” extend longer than that initial two week period – and may occur for up to a year after birth. Unlike the “baby blues,” PPD does not go away on its own. Postpartum depression can make it hard to get through the day and may affect your ability to take care of your baby – and yourself!

6 Weeks - months after birth (Postpartum)

6 Weeks - months after birth (Postpartum)

The “latent” period of postpartum recovery occurs from 6 weeks to 6 months after delivery but full postpartum recovery takes up to 2 years (that we are aware of in 2025). By that time, your hair should stop falling out. You should no longer have physical symptoms (like bladder leakage or Diastasis Recti). Your period may come back around the 6 month mark, but it could take up to 2 years for your hormones to re-balance. If you’ve had a C-section, you may feel more tired at the 6 month mark than those who had a vaginal delivery. Mentally, you may be getting more into a routine as your baby is sleeping more. Though, of course, it is important to address any lingering mental health concerns. 

Weeks 1-2 Postpartum

Weeks 1-2 Postpartum

Here at Recharged PT, we’ve talked extensively about what to expect prior to getting pregnant as well as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters. Heck, we’ve even done a deep dive on the fourth trimester. But, sometimes, it can be helpful to get back to basics: what your recovery may look like after you give birth. Having a general timeline for postpartum recovery can be helpful - here are the first two weeks laid out for you.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic or Tubal Pregnancy occurs in approximately 1 in 100 pregnancies or about 1% of the time. An ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs outside of the uterus. Most often, this is in one of the two fallopian tubes – although it can also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdomen.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

—> Hormones from the placenta block and diminish your body’s ability to use or make insulin. Insulin helps your body maintain the appropriate amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood. Weight gain and other factors make pregnant people more naturally insulin resistant – and some develop gestational diabetes as a result.

—> GDM does not develop because you had undiagnosed diabetes prior to pregnancy; it occurs because of the pregnancy. Usually diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks, GDM can feel like a scary diagnosis.

Fortunately, GDM is a well-understood and well-managed diagnosis. We also have new information that came out in 2024 showing that GDM can be directly related to DAD’S HEALTH as his genetics are what determines the Placenta health.

Pregnancy Swelling!

Pregnancy Swelling!

We’re here today to talk about maybe one of the most common complaints seen during pregnancy and postpartum: swelling.

Swelling during pregnancy is usually pretty common in the lower extremities and feet. All the extra fluid that your body creates to help support a healthy baby can cause blood circulation to slow – and much of it accumulates in the legs and feet. Especially if you are up on your feet a lot!

Increasing Fertility

Increasing Fertility

So! You’ve decided to take the leap into trying to conceive. As a very exciting (and sometimes nerve wracking!) time, a lot of things may feel overwhelming at first.

Here at Recharged PT, we’ve got all things pregnancy covered.

In the past, we have covered everything from what to expect each trimester to how to safely exercise and eat while pregnant. We have gotten into postpartum care and even the so-called “fourth trimester.” But another important factor to consider in your pregnancy journey is what to do before you get pregnant. Your lifestyle, mood and overall health can have a tremendous effect on your fertility and ability to conceive. And that is what we are here to talk about today. Aside from the mental, emotional, and relational dynamics involved in making this decision, your physical well-being is just as vital!

2nd Trimester

2nd Trimester

Often dubbed the “honeymoon period,” your second trimester lasts from 13 weeks to 28 weeks. Generally by this point, expecting mamas have settled into their bodies and emotions a bit more. The morning sickness, fatigue, and mood swings that made the first trimester so hard often go away for people at this stage… but not for all of our mamas.

A lot of changes continue to occur quickly during this time – both for you and your growing baby. So let’s talk about it. 

1st Trimester of Pregnancy

1st Trimester of Pregnancy

Overall, the first trimester of pregnancy is all about change and your growth: your body and your baby’s. It is also a time of variability in symptoms, emotions, and adjusting to a new stage of life. It is important to be gentle with yourself during this time and do things to keep yourself healthy, happy and whole!

After Surgery- Post Op

After Surgery- Post Op

Today we are talking about how to care for yourself after you have surgery- this could be anything from a C-Section to a knee replacement. The info contained here isn’t super specific but that doesn’t make it any less important!!

Having surgery and recovering from it can be a very challenging process physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you elect to have it done or the procedure is absolutely vital to your health and well-being, surgery is trauma to your body: it takes a toll.

Birth Control- an overview

Birth Control- an overview

Today we want to talk about birth control (BC). There is a lot of information out there and it can definitely feel overwhelming to pick the type that is right for you, your body and your situation. And that is why we are here to help at Recharged PT! If you’re considering taking (or changing) birth control – commonly known as contraception – there are a variety of options available to you. Each one works a bit differently and comes with its own set of pros and cons. There is no “best” method of birth control.

The Skinny on Hormonal Health

The Skinny on Hormonal Health

Hormones are produced chemically by different glands throughout the body, such as your adrenal glands or sweat glands, to keep you as close to homeostasis as possible. This can include everything from the stress response with cortisol (which we’ve covered before) to hormones that affect digestion, temperature regulation, and mood. The pituitary gland, located deep in the brain, is the “puppet master” that controls the release of how much hormone and when to keep the body functioning. 

Pelvic Health and Pelvic Floor Therapy in Melbourne, Florida. Dr. Paige, Dr. Laura, Dr. Sky

Pregnancy & Exercise

Pregnancy & Exercise

Overall, physical activity is highly encouraged for most pregnant women – particularly if you are low-risk. Everyone can benefit from exercise in some form within certain precautions. The most important part is that it feels good to you.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Melbourne, FL. Pelvic Health Rehab. Pregnancy. Pregnancy and Exercise

Thinking of getting Pregnant?

Thinking of getting Pregnant?

The decision to become pregnant can be an exciting and (maybe slightly) scary time. In a perfect world, everything in your life would line up perfectly when you make the decision to expand your family... but we all know this is easier said than done. Check out our short step list for beginning your fertility journey!

Breath Work

Breath Work

Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath for a moment when life becomes too stressful or chaotic or overwhelming. But have you ever noticed how you take that deep breath?

Here at Recharged PT, we’ve talked *a lot* before about the importance of appropriate core engagement for pelvic health. This includes learning how to breathe properly. So today we are going back to the basics to learn how to breathe. 

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Melbourne FL, Dr. Paige, Dr. Laura, Pelvic Rehab

Best Tools to use in Labor

Best Tools to use in Labor

Hi Everyone! Here are our favorite tools to use to assist with pain and hip movement during labor. The more you can handle the pain & the more movement your hips can do- the better and faster your labor will be!

We carry all of these things with us when we do Birth Support for our Mama’s!!

To find these on Amazon- just click on the photo!

Testimonials

“Dr. Paige helped me deal with pain that I would’ve otherwise accepted as normal. The best part? She worked with my schedule and came to me!”

—Katy F.

“Dr. Paige was able to diagnose my pain and discomfort all online! Virtual doctors are the way to go! ”

—Jill K.

“I am so thankful I found Dr. Paige. A leaky bladder is never fun to deal with— who knew I didn’t have to live with it?!”

—Mary B.