At Pelvic Path Physical Therapy, we believe in celebrating the incredible physical achievements of motherhood. Too often, the athleticism it takes to grow, birth, and care for a baby is overlooked. We’re here to change that narrative.
Benchmarks of Strength: What Every Mom Deserves
In our practice, we’ve set a series of benchmarks that we believe every woman deserves to reach as part of her postpartum recovery and beyond. These aren’t just arbitrary goals—they’re practical standards to ensure that moms can live their lives fully and actively.
Here’s what we aim for:
- Strength and Lifting: We encourage moms to be able to pick up a 30-pound kettlebell at least ten times. This isn’t just about exercise; it’s about ensuring they have the strength to handle the real-life demands of motherhood.
- Cardiovascular Endurance: We believe every mom should be able to jog short distances comfortably. Even if you’re not a runner, you’ll inevitably find yourself running after a toddler who’s just discovered how fast they can move, or when you’re teaching them to ride a bike. It’s about feeling confident moving at a pace that works for these everyday moments.
- Functional Carrying: Carrying a 30-pound weight a certain distance mimics the everyday task of lifting a toddler or groceries. This kind of strength is key to a mom’s daily life.
The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health
One of the most critical benchmarks we set revolves around pelvic floor health. We want moms to be able to cough, laugh, or jump on a trampoline without any leakage. It’s all about proper breathing mechanics, core engagement, and rehabilitating the pelvic floor so that moms feel strong and supported.
The Postpartum Reality: Healing Takes Time
It’s important to remember that being “cleared” by your doctor at six weeks doesn’t mean the journey is over. In fact, it’s just the beginning of your real healing process. Being “cleared” simply means that you’re ready to start that rehabilitative journey—not jump back into high-intensity activities right away.
When to Start: Preparing During Pregnancy
Many women wonder when they should start focusing on these standards. The best time is actually during pregnancy. Preparing your body for birth and understanding how to engage your pelvic floor and core can set you up for a smoother rehabilitation phase afterward. By starting early, you’re investing in a recovery that lets you truly feel like the athlete you are.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you’re a mom in San Rafael or the Marin area and you’re ready to embrace your inner athlete, we’re here to support you. Whether you’re preparing during pregnancy or starting your postpartum recovery, reach out to Pelvic Path Physical Therapy. Let’s set your benchmarks together and celebrate every step of your journey. After all, you’re not just a mom—you’re an athlete, too.
