France is known for its excellent postnatal care. So why are we so behind? Elodie Poissenot, from London-based My French Physio, discusses how we can do better.
GM: Hi Elodie, please could you tell BSF readers a bit about what you do?
EP: Hi Georgia, I am a women’s health physiotherapist. This means I work with women at all different stages of life, from puberty to menopause, including pregnancy and postnatal care.
I treat issues related to pelvic health, such as pelvic floor dysfunction (incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain), pregnancy and postnatal care (birth preparation, postnatal recovery including diastasis and pelvic floor issues), menopause and perimenopause, post-surgical rehabilitation (hysterectomy or C- section), sexual health (painful intercourse, vaginismus, vulvodynia), and endometriosis.
GM: It’s a field that historically has received no airtime in this country, but there is an established system in France where you’re from. Why do you think this is?
EP: I think it's because maternity care is very important in France. A few years ago, they tried to increase the birth rate and encouraged couples to have more children. However, they also wanted women to return to work quickly for economic reasons, which is why maternity leave is shorter than three weeks in France. Therefore, it's essential for women to get back in shape without stress incontinence or diastasis as soon as possible!
GM: Do you think attitudes are changing over here?
EP: The Birth Trauma Inquiry report published a few months ago has shown that postnatal care in the UK is really inadequate. Both medical staff and patients are unhappy about it, and morbidity rates for women are quite high.They are discussing the addition of a proper six-week check-up with a trained GP or a women’s health physiotherapist who will be able to thoroughly check the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and pelvis. So hopefully, things will change.
GM: What drew you to perineums and pelvic health in the first place?
EP: I did my thesis on baby neuro-motor delay. I loved it, but I realised what I enjoyed the most was working with their mothers! And because I liked school so much (!), I continued studying and completed a master’s degree in women's health.
GM: Are new techniques for rehabilitation being found all the time? How studied a subject is it?
EP: Yes, new techniques are being discovered all the time. And we also realised that what we used to say 20 years ago was completely wrong. For instance, we used to do abdominal rehabilitation post- birth with crunches, then we completely forbade them and focused on hypopressive gymnastics. Nowadays, we practice no-pressure gymnastics, which is a mix of different techniques. In the last 10 years, pelvic floor trainers for home use have started to appear on the market
GM: Your work isn’t just for women who are pregnant or postpartum, right?
EP: I work with women at all stages of life, from puberty to menopause. Because all stages can contribute to pelvic floor issues, ranging from pain to incontinence, and even prolapse!
GM: Do you have any general tips for women looking to support their pelvic health?
EP: Yes sure!
1. Good Posture: Practice good posture (Imagine a string pulling your head like a puppet) to reduce strain on the pelvic floor muscles and organs.
2. Manage Chronic Constipation: Constipation can strain the pelvic floor muscles. Eat a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and consider discussing with a healthcare provider if chronic constipation is an issue.
3. Proper Toilet Habits: Avoid straining during bowel movements. Use the restroom when you feel the need to urinate (never longer than 4 hours and if possible, not less than every 2 hours) or have a bowel movement (do not wait too long when you have the first need).
4. Stay active: Choose exercises or activities that you like doing. This could be walking, dancing, swimming, cycling, yoga, or any other physical activity that keeps you engaged.
5. Manage Chronic Coughing: Chronic coughing can strain the pelvic floor muscles.
6. Practice good abdominal exercises by pulling your tummy in to automatically engage your pelvic floor.
7. Regular Check-ups: Don't wait to book a check-up if you experience heaviness, stress incontinence, anal incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual pain. Early intervention can help address these issues and prevent them from worsening.
GM: What about men..
EP: Men generally have fewer issues throughout their lives, but they can experience erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation. Later on, they may also experience incontinence after prostatectomy.
GM: And finally, where can we find you?
EP: We have three clinics in London. One in Camden, one in Pimlico and one in Clapham Common! Visit our site here.
GM: Thanks, Elodie!
July, 2024
