Equity Is Not Equality: Our Role in Protecting the Birth Experience They Want: Pelvic Health Equity is Not Equality

Physical therapy immediately postpartum remains inaccessible to individuals who have limited choice in their birthing experience. Support during labor and delivery through doula services is viewed as a privilege reserved for the wealthy. Physical therapists who support individuals during and immediately after birth have a unique role in protecting the birth experience their patients want while providing the medical surveillance they need. Participants will learn strategies to address physical and mental health before, during, and after birth in every setting that significantly impacts maternal health outcomes in all populations. Early detection and intervention will be covered in depth for maternal cardiac health, birth-related pain, functional impairments limiting self-care and newborn ADLs, and postpartum recovery during and beyond the first 6 weeks. Participants will learn the role of the physical therapist as a doula and interventions during pregnancy and labor to enhance a successful birth and recovery. The audience will understand their role in expanding access to equitable care, detecting maternal health complications earlier, and leading care initiatives that are inclusive of social determinants of health.