Free information booklets

These organisations are all voluntarily run providing great services for women and families with excellent information booklets free to download:

THE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK FOR PELVIC OBSTETRIC & GYNAECOLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY    POGP

Specialist physiotherapists have extensive post-graduate training to give membership of POGP

This is a network of my professional body The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.  The POGP is run by voluntary physiotherapists.  One of their aims is to bring specialist knowledge and information to the public about pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological conditions.

They have great publications available as free pdf to read on their website (click on the titles below to go straight to the right webpage for the booklet you are interested in):

Booklets about pelvic floor problems:

  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises for women.  A detailed explanation of how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly and helpful advice.
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse – a physiotherapy guide for women   The information will help you understand what a prolapse is, what the causes may be and what you might be able to do to improve the symptoms you are experiencing. Includes a self-self-assessment questionnaire.
  • Improving your bowel function  Includes checks for serious pathology, an explanation of how bowels function with a good picture, explanations of common bowel disorders, pelvic floor exercises, some dietary advice, defecation techniques.

Booklets about health and exercise during and after pregnancy:

  • Fit and safe to exercise in the childbearing year. This booklet is aimed towards any woman in her childbearing year who wishes to exercise safely. Includes positive messages about benefits of exercise in pregnancy from ordinary to elite level, Borg Scale, precautions & when to seek help.
  • Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain for mothers to be and new mothers.  booklet from POGP about Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle PainYou may have been told you have Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) which is now a less used term.  This booklet will provide information and advice on managing and treating pain in your back, hips of symphysis pubis, related to your pregnancy.
  • Fit for Birth – essential exercises and helpful advice.  Clear pictures of positions for first stage of labour, and best positions for second stage. Also includes detail of how to do pelvic floor exercises.
  • Fit for the Future – essential advice and exercises following childbirth.  Pictures of rest, changing & feeding positions, getting in & out of bed, and bowel emptying. Specific advice for after a caesarean.  Detailed pelvic floor exercises, also starting and progressing abdominal exercises.
  • Exercise and advice after a pregnancy.  This booklet is carefully worded to give physical advice and exercises for women to aid recovery after a pregnancy and delivery who will not be taking a baby home with them after their delivery.  This booklet is for someone whose baby has died during pregnancy, or during or soon after birth, or is not returning home with a baby for another reason.

THE PELVIC PARTNERSHIP

SPD_logo_4col-smallThe pelvic partnership is a voluntary organisation who publish really helpful, sympathetic and practical advice for women suffering with Pelvic Girdle Pain (previously often called SPD).   This affects 1 in 5 women.  Their website has lots of clear useful information and they have also offer a telephone helpline. Download their free “Stickmum” leaflet to help you discuss your symptoms with your GP or midwife and get access to early treatment and help.