Pelvic Health After Birth (P-HAB) Program

About the Program

In the Pelvic Health After Birth (P-HAB) Program, our focus is on helping patients who have complex postpartum conditions. There are many risk factors for the development of pelvic floor disorders after childbirth. One of the most significant risk factors is a severe obstetric anal sphincter laceration. Up to 15% of new birthing people end up needing treatment after giving birth for various reasons. These can include physical concerns, such as bladder leakage or vaginal tearing that did not heal correctly. Unfortunately, these issues can be embarrassing to discuss. Patients can often feel isolated and overwhelmed, without knowing that help is available. The Pelvic Health After Birth (P-HAB) Clinic was developed to provide integrated care during this very challenging time.

What We Treat

Our Pelvic Health After Birth (P-HAB) Clinic will help patients who experience problems after childbirth, including the following:

• Advanced or complex vaginal lacerations
• Episiotomy issues
• Urinary retention
• Urinary incontinence
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal or vulvar pain
• Fecal incontinence
• Constipation
• Fistulas

 What patients can expect at their first appointment:

• Comprehensive review of your medical, surgical, and obstetric history, with a focus on your recent delivery
• Evaluation of bowel or bladder problems
• Pain assessment
• Postpartum-sensitive physical exam
• Education on your anatomy
• Specialized diagnostic testing within the clinic
• Counseling for patients who have concerns about their next pregnancy
• Prevention of future incontinence problems
• Surgery, if needed

When Should Patients Seek Care?

We offer appointments to all pregnant or recently delivered patients. We recommend that patients with severe obstetric lacerations or tears are seen within 2-3 weeks of delivery. Our clinic is staffed by a urogynecologist, obstetrician/gynecologist, pelvic floor physical therapist, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellow and an obstetrics and gynecology resident. Our providers are in clinic together the first Monday of every month to care for new patients. Patients may only need one visit to reassure them that they are healing correctly. However, if a patient has a more complicated recovery, they may be seen multiple times. When the patient has recovered properly, they may resume care with their primary obstetrician-gynecologist.

Patient Resources

The resources here are intended for patients needing further information about their condition:

• Voices for Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD)

Program Director

Lindsey Burnett, MD, PhD