In Canada, ~1 in 3 babies will be born by a Cesarean Section. With few guidelines and information about Cesarean recovery, many birthing people don’t receive meaningful guidance on how to navigate their recovery. They are left struggling to understand how to deal with issues that may arise (eg. pain conditions), when and how to return to exercise as well as how to appropriately progress exercise programs. Physiotherapy has an important role to play in filling this gap and supporting individuals in both their preparation for and recovery from Cesarean birth.
This course will provide the practitioner with a practical overview of the Cesarean birth experience as well as clinically relevant tools to help patients optimize their recovery.
Objectives:
- understand the surgical procedure; dispel myths and assumptions
- review “Gentle-Cesarean” or “Family-Centred Birth” – what is it?
- understand how physiotherapy can help prepare patients for their birth experience
- learn early post-op recovery & protective strategies
- review post-operative restrictions
- review red & yellow flags associated with cesarean birth
- understand pain conditions, injury and dysfunction associated with C-Section
- explore a variety of exercise ideas and considerations throughout recovery
- the first 6 weeks postpartum
- after the 6 week ‘clearance’
- return to sport including running & high impact sport
- be exposed to medical considerations for future births (i.e. repeat CS vs. TOLAC).
- explore the role physiotherapy can play in preparing patients for future births
- consider additional biopsychosocial factors:
- possible impact of C-Section on breastfeeding
- possible impact on long-term infant health
- emotional & psychological impact; birth trauma
Practical review and demonstration of:
- Cesarean scar management, mobility and de-sensitization techniques.
- breastfeeding positions after a Cesarean birth
- exercises and protective strategies in the first 6 weeks postpartum
- exercise progression 6wks and beyond
Audience: This course is open to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapy & occupational therapy assistants, midwives, physicians, chiropractors, kinesiologists, fitness trainers, naturopathic doctors
Prerequisites: None
Date/Time: May 10, 2021 from 5:00pm-9:00pm ET (Toronto) – please convert to your local time zone.
