Gather Your Village Interview Series: Postpartum Physiotherapy with Helen Swift

Postpartum recovery is often underestimated. So much focus is placed on the baby’s needs, while mothers navigate physical recovery, hormonal shifts, and the mental load—often with little support.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping mothers heal, rebuild strength, and prevent long-term issues. Yet, many mums don’t realise just how essential it is for postpartum recovery or they put it off out of fear.

To dive deeper, we spoke with Helen Swift, an experienced Women’s Health Physiotherapist, to discuss how postpartum physio can support mothers, prevent common issues, and help them feel strong and confident in their bodies again.

Meet Helen Swift, Women’s Health Physiotherapist

Helen, can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to supporting postpartum mothers?

Hi, I’m Helen Swift, a Women’s Health Physiotherapist and mother of three young children (two boys and a girl). I am blessed and profoundly humbled to be a trusted and essential cornerstone of many women’s motherhood journeys here in Noosa.

My passion for Women’s Health was always present throughout my physiotherapy career, but it deepened and intensified when I recognised the striking gap in postpartum support. Despite my professional background, even I was surprised by the lack of practical and personalised postpartum care after having my first child. This experience fuelled my determination to specialise exclusively in Women’s Health Physiotherapy.

Becoming a mother only strengthened my passion. I want mothers to not only have a support village but also a ‘health village’. I see this as layers of their ‘nest’:

• The inner layer – immediate partner and family support
• The second layer – friends, neighbours, and relatives
• The third layer – the health professionals who support them

Today, after three amazing birth experiences and over a decade of clinical experience and advanced postgraduate training in Women’s Health Physiotherapy & Pilates, my practice at Women’s Wellnest on the Sunshine Coast is 100% dedicated to supporting mothers through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. My personalised, in-home approach ensures every mother receives the undivided attention, care, and respect she deserves.

There are two things that continue to drive me in my work:

1. Witnessing the transformation when mothers realise that postpartum discomfort isn’t something they simply have to endure. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a woman return to activities she loves—whether that’s running, playing with her children without pain, or simply feeling confident in her body again.

2. Seeing my children normalise women’s health and bodily functions. No topic is taboo in our house, and I know that when the time comes, they will advocate for their health and their loved ones.

How Women’s Health Physiotherapy Supports Postpartum Recovery

What are some of the main reasons a postpartum mother could benefit from seeing a Women’s Health Physio?

Postpartum recovery is frequently underestimated, and I believe there are three main reasons for this:

1. Many mothers don’t realise postpartum physiotherapy is available or necessary.
2.  Mothers naturally prioritise their family’s needs over their own.
3. Time feels scarce, even more so with each subsequent birth.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy can prevent and treat common issues that society has normalised as part of the “mothering experience”—like leaking, pelvic pain, or abdominal weakness.

It is so important that in countries like France, pelvic floor physiotherapy is fully covered for all mothers from 6–8 weeks postpartum.

Some key areas I support include:

• Vaginal prolapse, urinary/bowel leakage, urgency, and constipation – Using evidence-based pelvic floor rehabilitation, I help restore function and prevent these issues from becoming chronic.
• Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation) – I provide hands-on treatment, guidance, and personalised exercise programs to rebuild core strength.
• C-section & perineal scar management – Helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent adhesionsthat could cause future discomfort.
• Postural support – Pregnancy, birth, and feeding positions can cause back, neck, shoulder pain, and even Mummy’s Thumb. I use hands-on therapy, taping, and ergonomic advice to prevent long-term strain.
• Returning to exercise safely – Every postpartum recovery is different. I create individualised programs to help mums rebuild strength without setbacks.
• Pain management – For pelvic girdle pain, coccyx pain, and lingering discomfort from pregnancy or birth.
• Support for intimacy – Helping mothers return to sex comfortably and confidently postpartum.

Postpartum recovery isn’t just about getting back to normal—it’s about feeling good in your body again.

When Should a New Mum See a Women’s Health Physio?

I highly recommend proactive care. Ideally:

• During pregnancy (32–36 weeks) – A prenatal consult can prepare you for birth and lower the risk of pelvic floor trauma.
• At 6–8 weeks postpartum – This is a great time for an assessment, even if you feel okay.
• Earlier if needed – In-home or Zoom sessions can support natural healing within the first 2–6 weeks.

Seek care sooner if you experience:
❌ Leaking (urinary or bowel)
❌ Pelvic pain or pressure
❌ Back, hip, or joint pain
❌ Pain during intercourse
❌ Concerns about scar healing

It’s never too late to see a Women’s Health Physio—even years after birth.

Final Advice for New Mothers

“Prioritise YOUR health for your family’s wellbeing.”

Postpartum recovery isn’t linear and doesn’t happen overnight. Your body grew a human for nine months—it deserves time and care to heal.

By prioritising your own recovery, you’re investing in long-term wellbeing—for yourself and your family.

Find Postpartum Physio Support Near You

You can connect with Helen at @womenswellnest on Instagram or join her mailing list for weekly women’s health insights.
Find Helen and other Women’s Health Physios on the Village for Postpartum Directory.