Allied Health

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

Prepare to Push – pelvic floor screening and assessment of women planning to have a vaginal birth. We provide individualised sessions to assist “preparing” the pelvic floor muscles. Patients can self-refer to this service and bookings can be made via Health and Wellness Clinic (Ph: 3163 6000 option 1, 2,1) or Mater Springfield Health Hub (Ph: 3163 3760).

Health and Wellness Clinic (Ph: 3163 6000 option 1, 2, 1) and MAter Springfield Health Hub (Ph: 3163 3760) – private outpatient sister clinics offer a range of services : 

• Assessment and treatment musculoskeletal conditions such as back and pelvic girdle pain 
• Exercise advice - abdominal wall and general exercise including for prevention and/or management of pregnancy induced high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.
• Continence and pelvic floor evaluation - Perineal massage tutorial (after 35 weeks) - Individual – active labour tutorial (you and support person) 
• TENS for labour – hire from 37 weeks, bookings taken from 30 weeks gestation to ensure availability.

Antenatal Inpatients 

Antenatal Inpatients (on referral via pager 0070 or ward Physio) – 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 private 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) (on referral via pager 0070 or ward Physio) 

• Therapeutic ultrasound 
• Lymphatic massage and taping 

Baby Handling Classes 

• Available for parents during inpatient stay 
• 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

Health and Wellness Clinic (private outpatient clinic) (Ph: 3163 6000 option 1, 2,1) or Springfield Health Hub (Ph: 3163 3760)

Post-natal review (recommended 5-7 weeks post birth) 

• Pelvic floor assessment / recovery plan 
• Abdominal wall assessment / recovery 
• Guidance returning to exercise / sports 
• Management of musculoskeletal complaints (e.g. back pain, wrist pain) - Baby development check via the Paediatric Physio (Ph: 3163 6000, 1,1) 

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

• For Physiotherapy only intervention - refer directly to our Health and Wellness or Springfield Health Hub, or 
• Your patients can self-refer to Mater Mothers' Parenting Support Centre where we work closely with Lactation Consultants/GP Ph: 3163 2299