Why I Do What I Do: Helping Moms and Their Bodies Bounce Back

As a mom of two toddlers and having a career in physical therapy, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that new mothers face in recovering from childbirth and getting back to their pre-baby lives. Pregnancy and childbirth can take a significant toll on your body. Back pain, pelvic pain, and tightened muscles are common complaints among new moms. These issues can interfere with your ability to care for your babies and enjoy everyday activities. It’s a tough time, both physically and emotionally, and I’m passionate about helping you get the support you need to thrive.

My Journey to Helping Moms

My journey to helping moms began with my own experiences as a new parent in 2020 right at the start of the Covid shutdown and it was a difficult time for me. Knowing that we weren’t allowed to go anywhere and going anywhere especially with a newborn was out of the question. Having to stay home during one of the most exciting events in my life was frustrating.  I wasn’t able to experience many things outside of the house with a newborn like families did years prior. Recovering during the postpartum period, and taking care of my baby, the house, trying to find time with my husband, and taking care of myself weighed heavy on me.

Throughout the postpartum period and beyond, I was surprised by how much my body had changed, and I struggled with pain and discomfort. I felt like I had lost control of my own body, and I was eager to get back to feeling strong and healthy.

That’s when I realized that I could use my expertise as a physical therapist assistant to help other moms. So I joined postpartum Facebook groups, talked with other postpartum moms, and noticed other moms were having a lot of the same aches and pains as me. However, it wasn’t until my second child in 2022 that I started putting together a stretching program that I used on myself to reduce pain, improve mobility and flexibility, and regain confidence. Stretch With Ashlea was created and I couldn’t be more excited to be on this journey with you!

The Challenges You Face as a Moms

Childbirth is a major physical event, and it’s common for you to experience pain, discomfort, and weakness in the weeks and months after delivery. This is due to a number of factors, including changes in hormones, muscle strain, and ligament laxity.

In addition to the physical challenges, you are also dealing with the demands of newborn care, which can be overwhelming and exhausting. This can make it difficult to find time for self-care and to prioritize your own health. Everyone recovers at their own pace and it’s alright to take as much time as you need.  I’m not here to judge.

Why Helping You as a Mom Matters

Helping you recover from childbirth is not just about alleviating your pain and discomfort; it’s about empowering you to take care of yourself and your families. When you feel good physically, you are better able to cope with the stress of parenthood and to enjoy your time with your sweet babies.

How I Can Help You as a Mom

> Developing a 1:1 stretching plan

> Providing proper stretches to help your tight muscles feel more relaxed

> Teaching you how to safely move and lift your babies

> Educating you on how to prevent further injuries

> Offering support and encouragement to you

My Passion for Helping You as a Mom

I am passionate about helping you because I believe that you deserve to feel good about yourself and your body. I am committed to providing you with the support you need to recover from childbirth and to thrive in your new role as a mother.  You don’t have to go through this alone.

The Rewards of Helping You

There is no greater reward than seeing you go from feeling pain and discomfort to feeling strong and confident. I love hearing from moms who tell me that they are able to enjoy their lives more fully because of the work we have done together.