How two AdventHealth Avista physical therapists are transforming care for new moms

For many new moms, the first few days after giving birth are filled with joy, exhaustion, and countless physical changes. But at AdventHealth Avista, postpartum recovery now includes something innovative and potentially life-changing: on-unit obstetrics physical therapy delivered right at the bedside.

Physical therapists Kim Belz and Kim Patton are the driving force behind this groundbreaking program. Together, they are redefining what compassionate, whole-person care looks like for new mothers by ensuring every patient, whether they deliver vaginally or by C-section, receives expert guidance during the earliest and most vulnerable stages of healing.

A first-of-Its-kind approach to postpartum recovery

Obstetrics physical therapy at Avista is designed to support moms within the first 24–72 hours after birth. Kim and Kim provide bedside education and hands-on guidance to help patients navigate the crucial first six weeks of healing.

Each session includes practical instruction on:

• Safe lifting techniques
• Bed mobility and log-rolling
• Toileting posture
• Postures for feeding and holding baby
• Establishing a gentle walking routine
• Foundational exercises: diaphragmatic breathing, transverse abdominis activation, and pelvic floor engagement

“It’s about empowering new moms with tools that reduce pain, protect healing tissues, and help them feel confident once they go home,” Kim P. shared.

Why early intervention matters

C-section deliveries are the most common surgery in America and require careful early mobility and core engagement. But even moms who deliver vaginally face challenges like pelvic floor strain, diastasis recti, perineal tears, and fears about their first bowel movement.

By beginning therapy at the bedside, Kim and Kim help moms:

• Reduce pain
• Improve mobility
• Support C-section incision healing
• Strengthen pelvic floor and core muscles
• Prevent or lessen urinary/bowel concerns
• Reduce risk of pelvic floor dysfunction
• Learn safe ways to move, stand, lift, and care for their newborn

“We’re teaching skills that every mom needs,” Kim B. said. “Without them, so many women struggle unnecessarily - sometimes for years.”

Tailored care for every type of birth

While the program began by prioritizing moms with higher-risk or more complex births such as C-sections, prolonged pushing, high-degree tears, or postpartum hemorrhage - providers are now placing orders for all postpartum patients.

Care looks different depending on delivery type:

• C-section: more focus on mobility technique, incision protection, use of abdominal binders, and scar massage once healed
• Vaginal birth: guidance on pelvic floor rest, toileting posture, and strategies to reduce pressure on healing tissues

Real results and a growing momentum

Although outcomes tracking is ongoing, early trends are promising:

• Moms who received on-unit PT show stronger pelvic floor strength and endurance at follow-up visits.
• OB providers at Avista are increasingly referring postpartum patients directly to Women’s Health PT after discharge.
• Patients consistently report improved confidence, reduced pain, and easier transitions home.

One first-time mom who experienced a complicated birth and a painful third-degree tear reflected:

“That one session changed everything. I felt calmer, more in control, and less afraid of those first weeks. Eight weeks later, I still relied on what they taught me.”

These kinds of stories fuel Kim and Kim’s passion and validate the importance of meeting moms right where they are.

Sustainable, scalable and full of promise

With two part-time therapists and one PRN provider covering 30–35 hours per week, the program requires no extra space and minimal equipment. Sessions are done entirely in patient rooms, making the model sustainable and scalable.

And that’s exactly the goal.

“We’d love to see postpartum PT become standard across all AdventHealth hospitals with labor and delivery units,” Kim P. said. “Every new mom deserves this level of care.”

Both therapists bring advanced women’s health training to their roles - skills they’ve also taught to nursing teams and inpatient therapists to ensure the program thrives.

Empowering moms for lifelong health

Helping women feel strong and capable is at the heart of the program. Whether it’s easing pain, improving mobility, or reducing fear, Kim and Kim see instant impact every day.

“One of my favorite moments,” Kim P. shared, “is when a mom realizes how much easier it is to get out of bed using a log roll. Her whole face lights up.”

For Kim B., the joy is in helping moms reconnect with their bodies:

“I love when they feel their muscles turn on again, without pain. You can see the relief and empowerment.”

Leading the way in Colorado and beyond

With fewer than 100 programs like this in the entire country, AdventHealth Avista is helping shape the future of postpartum care. By blending expertise, compassion, and innovation, Kim Belz and Kim Patton are ensuring that every mom has the support she deserves starting from the very first day of motherhood.

“Postpartum PT changes lives,” they shared. “We’re honored to be a part of that healing journey.”