Birth Preparation & Prenatal Care in La Crosse
Find Strength and Confidence During Pregnancy with our Birth Preparation Services
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging. As your body changes to accommodate your growing baby, you may experience new aches, pains, and discomforts that can leave you feeling unsteady and unsure.
At O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness, we understand the anxieties and uncertainties that often come with pregnancy. That’s why our team of women’s health physical therapists offers tailored Birth Preparation services to help expectant mothers like you find strength, stability, and confidence during this journey.
Is Birth Preparation Right for You?
Our Birth Preparation program is designed specifically for pregnant women looking to prioritize their pelvic health and prepare their bodies for the rigors of labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
We work closely with women throughout their pregnancies to address concerns like:
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Low back pain
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Balance and stability issues
- Discomfort during intimacy
- Fears about the birthing process
- Desire to make labor and delivery smoother
- Recovery goals after baby arrives
The Benefits of Birth Preparation Services
Making time for yourself and your health throughout your pregnancy isn’t always easy, but it yields crucial short and long-term benefits.
Here’s what you can expect when you commit to birth preparation physical therapy:
- Improved Pelvic Floor Health
- Smoother, More Comfortable Labor
- Faster, Less Complicated Recovery
- Confidence and Empowerment
Detailed Assessment
While you can undoubtedly track aches or changes throughout pregnancy, our in-depth clinical assessments pick up on things you might miss. We evaluate:
- Pelvic floor muscle tone, tension, and trigger points
- Abdominal muscle tone and separation risk
- Posture, balance, and stability
- Breathing patterns and breath support
- Body mechanics during ADLs
- Warning signs for potential pregnancy complications
Personalized Exercises and Activities
We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to Birth Preparation physical therapy. The ideal techniques for you depend on your needs and birthing preferences. For example, plans may incorporate:
- Pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback
- Stretching and foam rolling to improve circulation and release tension
- Labor position practice for comfort and efficiency
- Relaxation and visualization exercises
- Corrective treatment for muscle imbalance or poor movement patterns
Education and Empowerment
Knowledge is power, especially when understanding your changing pregnant body. We emphasize client education every step of the way to keep you fully informed and in control of your Birth Preparation journey.
Topics span a wide range, including:
- Pelvic floor anatomy
- Healthy breathing mechanics
- Optimal labor positions to open the pelvis
- Vaginal tearing risk factors and prevention
- What to expect during the pushing stage
- Preparing your body for Cesarean Birth
- Caring for C-section incisions postpartum
- Safe core and pelvic floor exercises after delivery
Laura Pernsteiner
“I have worked with handful of other great physical therapists; however, there are many things that set Jill apart. Not only is she incredibly thoughtful and caring, she is the most thorough and comprehensive physical therapist I have ever worked with. When other therapists couldn’t find answers, Jill searched harder and looked for more clues. When I was ready to give up, Jill was my cheerleader saying, “let’s keep trying, I have more ideas!” She has extensive knowledge and shares this knowledge with me in a manner that I can understand and incorporate in my daily habits and movement patterns. She collaborates with my other healthcare providers including my chiropractor. This is rare but is the way healthcare should work; it has allowed me to make more progress than I ever have. I have recommended her to multiple friends and they share the same feelings I do. Jill is fantastic. Don’t wait, make an appointment- you won’t regret it.”
Sara Sykora
“Ever since seeing Jill, my pelvic floor issues have basically gone away. Working with Jill, I am now able to do more jumping during workouts and recently was able to complete a Ragnar run, all without feeling any of those pelvic floor issues. She has helped me work on my core and overall health of my pelvic floor. I am grateful for all her help and expertise and will definitely visit again for any physical therapy needs. If you want results, as well as having a provider that is very kind and knowledgeable, I definitely recommend Jill!”