Caring for the Postpartum Patient (Internal)

**Internal Module Option:** For those who have completed the Level One Pelvic Health course, an additional internal module is available to enhance your learning experience.

While numerous courses focus on pregnancy and newborn care, the postpartum period—a critical time for maternal health—often receives less attention. This course is designed to address that gap, equipping allied healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support mothers during their recovery.

Participants will learn to recognise postpartum “red flags” and develop a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, hormonal, and emotional changes that impact a mother’s recovery. Topics will include mental health considerations, diastasis recti, pelvic floor recovery, physical and postural changes postpartum as well as early exercise advice.

The course combines online theoretical modules with in-person sessions, where we prioritise hands-on assessment and treatment techniques, enabling you to provide holistic, effective postpartum care.

*Please Note:* This course focuses on general postpartum recovery; a separate, dedicated course addresses care for post-cesarean patients.

Presenters:
Simone Keddy

Dates:
Friday 21 November 4-7pm

Saturday 22 November 8am-4pm

Prerequisites:

Level 1 Pelvic Health with OPHIA

Cost: $TBA +GST
(1.5 days face to face, 1 day online content Lunch is included)

Location:
16 Trinity Place, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.

Location for Friday: Eastern Osteopathy Clinic in Hawthorn

 

Learning outcomes

  1. Learn to recognise Red flags in the postpartum period

  2. Understand Postpartum mental health presentations and support

  3. Understand the hormonal changes post birth and the impact on new mothers

  4. Understand the brain changes in pregnancy/postpartum and how this supports our mothering

  5. Basic discussion on caesarean birth (is covered in detail in a separate course)

  6. Understand the pelvic floor changes in that occur in preparation for birth and during birth and how to support your patients postpartum

  7. Understand the types of tears, episiotomies, stitching and recovery of the pelvic floor and perineum postpartum

  8. Consider the breast changes and impact on posture and circulation

  9. Learn how to support new mothers with advice on breastfeeding posture, baby carrying etc

  10. Understand the changes in pressure dynamics, the role of the core and breath in postpartum recovery

  11. Understand diastasis, what it is, when is it an issue, how to assess along with appropriate treatment and exercise advice

  12. Understand the history and theory of belly binding/support garments and when they may be appropriate.

  13. Understand the mechanics behind common presentations in the postpartum period, considering the biopscyhosocial factors, along with appropriate assessment and treatments for each.

  14. Learn a range of osteopathic assessments and techniques appropriate for the postpartum period

  15. Understand early postpartum rehab exercises

    Internal course will also include:

    Postpartum osteopathic pelvic assessment and treatment including the following :

    Internal myofascial birth strains and patterns assessment and treatment, including the relationship with sutures

    Perineal trauma and healing, what to look out for, osteopathic treatment approaches and when to refer

    External anal sphincter balance

    Internal visceral techniques for the uterus and bladder


    Please note that postpartum pelvic health assessments including levator ani avulsion assessment, advanced prolapse assessment are covered in the advanced prolapse course.