Grampians Health begins antenatal physiotherapy classes for expectant mums in Stawell

Julia Boatman, Team Leader (physiotherapy, podiatry and allied health assistants),
Grampians Health assists a patient during her consultation.

Grampians Health has started antenatal physiotherapy classes for pregnant women in Stawell, further expanding the range of its allied health services in the campus.

Antenatal physiotherapy classes aim to educate pregnant women on the benefits of physiotherapy during pregnancy and will cover topics such as abdominal care, continence, back care, exercise during pregnancy, sleeping, preparing for labour and post-natal recovery.

The classes, which started from February 6 in Stawell, are conducted via telehealth once a month, allowing the participants to join from the comfort of their homes.

“There is widespread misinformation about pain in pregnancy and the purpose of these classes is to let mums know when things are alright and when they’re not. Certain kind of posture-related pain could be easily solved if they have access to physiotherapy and our goal is to provide as much support as needed early on in the pregnancy,” said Julia Boatman, Team Leader (physiotherapy, podiatry and allied health assistants), Grampians Health.

The antenatal physiotherapy classes are tailored for women who are still in the early stages of their pregnancies and will focus on educating them on how to manage posture-related pain.

The class participants also have an option of booking an appointment with a physiotherapist in Grampians Health Stawell hospital if they need a more detailed consultation, said Ms Boatman, who is based in Grampians Health Stawell hospital.

“Our vision for Grampians Health Stawell is to transform it into a contemporary and sustainable health service by striving to expand the range of services available at the campus. The start of antenatal physiotherapy classes is part of our efforts to enhance our service offerings in Stawell and make care more accessible for the local community,” said Carolyn Robertson, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Hospitals – West, Grampians Health.

Aside from Stawell, antenatal physiotherapy classes are currently provided in Grampians Health’s Ballarat campus. The classes are expected to begin in Grampians Health’s Horsham campus by April.

Those interested in joining the antenatal physiotherapy classes can call Grampians Health Stawell’s Allied Health reception on 5358 8531 or email ahreception@srh.org.au