Course Description:

New mothers face rapid physical changes and mental stressors unique to the postpartum period. Research supports significant benefits of exercise during this time of transition. This postpartum rehab and exercise continuing education course will cover anatomic and motor control changes during and after pregnancy, recent research findings on the unique benefits of exercise to the postpartum woman and her baby, and discussion of the relationship between breastfeeding and exercise. Due to the progression of healing and hormonal changes during the postpartum phase, stages of recovery will be considered as well. The goal of this educational program is to provide physical therapy professionals with an understanding of how to safely and effectively prescribe exercise to women in the postpartum period.