Allied Health

Antenatal outpatients 

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond – Physiotherapy led antenatal education class as part of the Mater Mother’s antenatal education bundle (costs apply). Bookings can be made via Parent Education (Ph: 3163 8847 option 4) 

Prepare to Push – Group Physiotherapy sessions to assist preparing the pelvic floor muscles for a vaginal birth. Women can book in from 20 weeks pregnant. Call the Allied health Reception (Ph: 3163 6000 option 2, 2)

Mater Hospital Physiotherapy Clinic –  Mothers, Women’s and Pelvic Health Public outpatients where we offer a range of services (Ph: 3163 6000 option 2, 2):

• Assessment and treatment musculoskeletal conditions such as back and pelvic girdle pain including group clinics on Tuesday afternoons 
• Exercise advice - abdominal wall and general exercise for prevention and/or management of pregnancy induced high blood pressure and gestational diabetes 
• Continence and pelvic floor evaluation 
• TENS for labour – hire from 37 weeks, bookings taken from 30 weeks gestation to ensure availability.

Antenatal Inpatients 

Antenatal Inpatients (on referral) – mothers with reduced functional capacity due to high-risk pregnancies or complications such as incompetent cervix 

• Hospital based exercise program. 
• Prevention strategies and positions of comfort (deconditioning and pain) 
• Bowel health – strain avoidance
• Pelvic girdle pain (Referrals via pager 0070 or ward Physio)

Postnatal inpatients 

All postnatal women will have an inpatient review 

• Peri and post-op care 
• Recovery support 
• Avoidance of strain and assisting with mobility 
• Pelvic floor function and recovery 
• Abdominal wall assessment and recovery 
• Return to exercise and activity. 

Inflammatory breast conditions (i.e. mastitis and blocked ducts) 

• Therapeutic ultrasound 
• Lymphatic massage and taping (Referrals via pager 0070 or ward Physio) 

Baby Handling Classes 

• Available for parents during inpatient stay 10am on MM8
• Equipping parents with skills and knowledge to improve their confidence with their babies such as tummy time, how to pick up and hold their baby and baby development. 

Postnatal outpatients

Postnatal Physiotherapy Review Clinic (Ph: 3163 6000 option 2, 2) – A Physiotherapy clinic where we offer a post-natal review (5-7 weeks post birth) covering:

• Normal pelvic floor function and recovery plan 
• Abdominal wall assessment / recovery 
• Guidance returning to exercise / sports 
• Management of musculoskeletal complaints (e.g. back pain, wrist pain) 
• Encouraging normal baby development

Individual appointments are also available on Dr/midwife referral

Mother Baby Wellness Group – to support mother and infant mental health through: 

• Small group setting with opportunity for individual support 
• Gentle stretches, breath awareness, easy exercise and physical relaxation 
• Infant play and baby massage 
• Developmental handling and other activities to support a sense of wellbeing for mum and bub Six-week blocks (Referral required via AlliedHealth@mater.org.au)

Breast care/ therapeutic ultrasound - In conjunction with other modalities for treatment of mastitis and blocked ducts via Mater Mothers' Parenting Support Centre (self-refer 3163 2299)