3 In-network Specialties that Support New Mothers

After nine long months, your baby is finally in your arms. It’s the end of one chapter but only the beginning of the next. As you navigate through this post-partum season, it’s important to not only know what to expect, but what types of resources you have within your healthcare network. Here are three Ogden Clinic specialties that work closely with the health issues that affect new mothers.

Mental Health Resources for PPD

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common medical complications during and after pregnancy. PPD can affect any woman regardless of her age, number of kids, ethnicity, marital status, or income. PPD also isn’t the same for every woman. Ogden Clinic has partnered with evolvedMD, a group of Behavioral Health professionals who now offer mental health services in conjunction with our Family Medicine specialty. Learn more about this service here.

Consider behavioral health therapy if you experience any of these symptoms post-partum:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with the new baby
• Persistent doubts about the ability to care for the new baby
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Difficulty sleeping (even when the baby is sleeping), awakening early in the morning, or oversleeping
• Abnormal appetite, weight changes or both
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause or that do not ease even with treatment
• Thoughts about death, suicide, or harm

Learn more about in-network Therapy

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy is a branch of physical therapy that deals with the muscles inside the pelvic floor. When a baby’s head comes through the uterus, the pelvic floor muscles and tissues overstretch and tear as they’re shoved out of the way. While these tissues usually heal with surgical repair and scar tissue, mothers may be left with nerve damage and muscles may not restore to natural function.

Ogden Clinic’s Pelvic Floor Therapist Naomi Harris says “If you’re injured playing sports or have an accident, you know that your healing will include physical therapy. During pregnancy and childbirth, there are significant and sometimes traumatic changes to the pelvic area. We ought to think of the recovery the same way. Healing up is only part of it. We want to help women restore optimal, pain-free strength and function.”

Urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder or rectum, diastasis recti, painful sex, or a feeling of bulging are all excellent reasons to consult a pelvic floor therapist. Relief is possible and you do not need a doctor’s referral to visit Naomi. Her assistant, Courtney Wilkins PTA adds that when you are postpartum, you’re always postpartum. “You can visit a pelvic floor therapist 15 years after having your last baby to start working on your symptoms. Patients have done this!”

Learn more about in-network Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pediatrics

Pediatrics is another in-network specialty that ensures your new baby is taken care of and that all of your health questions are answered. For your convenience, we have several pediatric clinics across Northern Utah.

NOTE: Check out local classes with our pediatricians while you're still pregnant to meet them and learn what to expect

Your child will likely see their pediatrician more in the first year than any other time of life because they are growing and developing rapidly. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests at least one visit to your pediatrician at one month old and at two months old. This includes regular visits throughout that first year.

Usually, the early visits will be routine: Assessing your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference during a physical exam. They will follow up on any past concerns and discuss such topics as nutrition, safety, motor skills, and other milestones to expect over the next few months. Additionally, your pediatrician will provide guidance on immunizations like as influenza, diphtheria, and polio (which can start at two months), and Hepatitis B (which can start at one month).

Learn more about in-network Pediatrics