A Conversation With Dr. Kyle Hartman
Author’s note : Dr. Hartman supported me with first-time birth preparation, made helpful baby-wearing recommendations, gave me exercises to heal lingering diastasis recti, helped me navigate a variety of “Is this normal?”/“I want to feel like myself again” moments the first six months postpartum, and helped me return to more regular running in time to participate effectively in the Big Sur Marathon Relay ten months after baby. I’m very grateful.
HI! PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
I’m Dr. Kyle Hartman, owner of Monterey Pelvic Health, pelvic floor physical therapist, and sex counselor. I am also a teaching assistant and business coach for other physical therapists who treat pelvic floor dysfunction and perinatal care. When I’m not working, I play competitive beach volleyball in Carmel or Santa Cruz. I’ve been living in Monterey for about six years now and love it!
WHAT ARE THE KINDS OF ISSUES YOU TREAT?
Our office specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction and perinatal care. Common things we see are urinary incontinence/frequency, sexual dysfunction, diastasis recti, pelvic pain, and GI/bowel dysfunction. We also provide labor prep and postpartum rehabilitation. We love helping people get back to activities they haven’t been able to do because of their pain or dysfunction (i.e., running, exercise, or just keeping up with the kiddos!).
WHAT DO YOU GET ASKED MOST FREQUENTLY BY NEW MOTHERS?
“Is this normal?” or “Am I normal?” Usually I answer this by challenging the difference between normal and common. No, it is not normal to have urinary leakage after having a baby, but yes, it is very common (about 30% of postpartum people suffer from prolonged urinary incontinence). I try to stay away from using the word “normal” when talking about these concerns because our culture has normalized a lot of things after having a child and I truly believe that people do not have to live with these symptoms and can find relief from their concerns.
WHAT DO YOU MOST WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE POSTPARTUM PROCESS? I’M SURE IT’S HARD TO NARROW DOWN.
It is hard to narrow down! I wish people would get comfortable with their anatomy. The number of times I hear someone say, “I didn’t even know these muscles existed!” or “I’ve never even looked down there!” is so common. Knowledge is power. The more we know about this part of our body, the better we can advocate for ourselves if something hurts or feels off and it doesn’t feel so foreign or anxiety-producing. A lot happens to this area during pregnancy and postpartum!
Also, I want to remind people that the postpartum process looks different for everyone and it is not a linear healing process. Our culture tells us that we need to “bounce back,” get back to work (if you work) three to six weeks after having a baby, and lose all of the baby weight as soon as possible . . . all while taking care of a brand-new baby, sleeping minimally, experiencing hormone depletion, and likely forgetting to eat and drink water while you are awake all day/night. Don’t forget that rest is the biggest part of the initial healing process, and give yourself a lot of grace.
HOW CAN SOMEONE KNOW IF THEY SHOULD CONSIDER PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?
If you’re experiencing urinary/fecal leakage, urinary urgency or frequency, constipation, pain with sex, tailbone pain, pelvic pain, C-section scar pain, abdominal separation, or diastasis recti, help may be needed. If you’re pregnant and curious about how to prepare for birth or want to get back to exercise without pain/dysfunction postpartum, we are your people!
LIKE ME, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ITCHING TO GET BACK TO RUNNING POST-BABY. WHAT ARE SOME KEY GUIDELINES AROUND RETURNING TO RUNNING FOR NEW MOTHERS?
The biggest thing to remember is that getting back to running after a baby takes a lot of time—I generally tell people to wait three months before going out for a run. For some, this probably sounds TERRIBLE!
When we run, each foot strike equals about three to four times your body weight in force! That’s a lot of load on your joints that you need to adequately prepare for. Keep in mind, especially if you’re working with us, that you’ll have an extensive program that includes lower-impact cardio options and full-body-strengthening exercises to prepare your body to tolerate running without dysfunction and decrease the risk of injury.
FOR MOTHERS NOT ABLE TO COME IN FOR STANDARD PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY, ARE THERE ANY RESOURCES YOU RECOMMEND?
Of course! If childcare is an issue, we always encourage bringing your child along to your appointment! Especially if they are young, we can show you creative exercises with your kiddos to more easily fit into your lifestyle. We love to offer alternative resources so that people can learn and get care in a way that fits them best.
MEET THE EXPERT: DR. KYLE HARTMAN received her doctorate of physical therapy at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA. She began her specialized training in pelvic floor dysfunction and perinatal care through the Herman and Wallace Institute, where she is now a teaching assistant for other physical therapists who are entering the specialty. She is a trauma-informed therapist that treats all genders and is queer friendly. She is currently working towards becoming an AASECT certified sexuality counselor to further help patients that are experiencing difficulty with intimacy.
Her interest in becoming a physical therapist developed from her experience as a Division 1 volleyball player and working with rehab specialists to optimize her own recovery and performance. She enjoys specializing in pelvic floor conditions because of how profound progress can be for her patients, like being able to start a family or finally being able to travel abroad without worrying about needing to use the restroom. She also feels strongly about advocating for people’s intimate health care and creating a safe place for people to heal from their concerns.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll likely find her playing beach volleyball in Carmel or Santa Cruz or enjoying a local exercise class!
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