Pelvic health problems after childbirth are very common. Some people find it hard to talk about or ask for help, and many suffer in silence thinking that it is just a normal part of childbirth.

 

This new service aims to help you if you suffer from any of the following;

• Bladder: Urgency (need to rush to the toilet to pee), leaking of urine (pee), incomplete emptying or bladder pain.
• Bowel: Poor control or leaking of wind and or poo.
• Vagina: Pain, infection in the perineum (area between the vagina and anus) or prolapse (vaginal bulge).

These problems can happen whichever type of birth you had and help is available.

The project aims to offer a service for women and birthing people to both prevent and treat any kind of pelvic floor dysfunction (problem), from the beginning of pregnancy until your baby turns one.

Symptoms could include vaginal discomfort or weakness, a heaviness or dragging sensation or and long term pelvic pain following childbirth – including pain during sex. 

 

The ‘Squeezy’ App

The service will be offering all pregnant/postnatal birthing people in Lewisham FREE Access to the ‘Squeezy’ App, which can help with pelvic floor training to improve pelvic floor strength helping to minimise pelvic floor problems.

 

 

Virtual Education Classes Clinic Sessions

The service will also be launching virtual classes for those at risk or pelvic floor issues to give you all the information and skills you need to remain well.

 

Clinic Sessions

For those that are identified as having pelvic floor issues there will be a new clinic run jointly by a midwife and a physiotherapist, which will offer face to face assessment and treatment as well as a referral pathway into other specialist services if required.

 

For more information on the project please contact:

Rachel Mangundu – Pelvic Health Specialist Midwife rachel.mangundu@nhs.net