Customized pelvic health in Hillsborough, NC and the surrounding Triangle area We help children who are struggling with bowel, bladder or other pelvic floor symptoms find confidence, autonomy, and improved function.
How long have you been searching for answers for your child?
Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is not something that we are usually told about when we express concerns about their bowel and bladder function to their doctor. Our culture currently looks towards medication or behavior training instead of addressing the primary source. Pelvic floor therapy considers the behavior, senses and the physical limitations of your child to find long term solutions.
Your child may be experiencing…
Difficulty with Potty-training
Every child is different therefore every child will potty train at a different age. We aren’t worried about your child’s age but more the experience they are having with potty-training. Potty-training should be positive and empowering for your child and not be based on fear or threat. If you are struggling with helping your child with this transition we want to support you and your child.
Struggling with Bed-wetting
Is your child wanting to stay over at a friend’s house or go to camp but still occasionally wetting the bed? Is your child starting to get embarrassed about wetting the bed? Or are you getting frustrated that they are getting too old to wet the bed? We could help you with solutions to resolve bed-wetting.
Having Difficulty with Constipation or being on Continuous Medication
Most treatment plans for constipation include medication. The problem is that when a child has been on medication for so long they have to increase the dose to be effective. Constipation has a direct link to pelvic floor tension and can have long term effects therefore doing something about it now is key.
Struggling with Feeling OVERWHELMED or AFRAID about using the Bathroom
Does your child wait so long to use the bathroom that it impacts their function/play/ happiness? Are they picky about only going to certain bathrooms but not others? When the act of using the bathroom effects your child’s participation in activity we need to act. We are a trauma-informed practice that is equipped to address your child’s fear.
Experiencing TIGHTNESS and PAIN in Low back, Hips, Abdomen, Pelvic Floor, or Neck
Some children have increased tension in their body that effect their oral-motor system, GI system and musculoskeletal system. These children need some extra support to stay mobile and decrease their pain.
At The Perinatal Pelvis
We believe that supporting your child’s pelvic health will help them THRIVE through their childhood.
Here is how we HELP:
Empower Through Education
Pelvic health therapy for the pediatric population is not very popular. You may have been told a lot of information that is not helpful or true. We help you and your child understand what is going on with their body. We believe that the more that you know the better you are to advocate for your child. Provide Confidence in Toileting
There can be a lot of feelings and difficulty around bladder and bowels for children. We want to help you and your child feel confident and supported in your journey. Everyone uses the toilet but that doesn't mean that everyone has the tools to help with toileting. Engage the Dyad
You and your child impact each other and we have to recognize this for healing to occur. You, as the caregiver are an integral part of helping your child therefore we want to give you and your child tools that actually give you the support to be successful. Manage Symptoms Holistically
Your child's symptoms are impacting their physical, emotional and nervous system health. We bring all of these elements together and integrate them into your child's daily life. We also recognize that your child is impacted by your family system therefore we will work on establishing a good plan to implement new routines. It is great to meet you, here is how I can help your child
Welcome to The Perinatal Pelvis, a place where healing is a journey and your child’s wellbeing is a priority. I’m Stephanie Smith and as a mother I understand the desire to help your child succeed through their individual challenges. Our approach at The Perinatal Pelvis is centered around helping your child with those challenges so they can thrive in their relationships, environment and activities.
Trauma-Informed, Empathetic Care
I specialize in pediatric pelvic health, offering your child a personalized healing experience. Your child knows their body and needs someone believing in the feelings that they are experiencing. Your child’s journey of entering this world and interacting in this world matter to their healing. We have to address your child as a whole for healing to happen.
Your Child’s Partner in Healing
In our 60-90 minute sessions I dedicate our time to understanding and addressing your child’s needs and challenges. I strive to make sure their body feels safe and cared for. I try to empower your child to be the director of their care, therefore I help my clients see what feels right in their body.
Empowering Your Child
My goal is to empower your child through this journey so that they can feel more in control and confident in their body. Being a child with pelvic health symptoms can be isolating and shameful, I want to help your child feel proud of the body they have.
Journey With Us
At The Perinatal Pelvis, your child is more than just a client, they are a part of our community. This method is an investment of time and money but it also has no negative side effects like medication or procedures. If you feel like you have tried other options or you want to try something less invasive before looking to more medical management I invite you to book a free consultation today. Take the next step in changing your child’s current situation.
Discover The Perinatal Pelvis Difference:
Where Expert Care Meets Personal Touch
Our clinic is not just about the treatment, it is about creating a personalized healing experience and journeying alongside your child. We understand that the wellness of your child is your upmost importance and we want to help you reach long term solutions. Below you will find the reasons why The Perinatal Pelvis stands out as a premier choice for those who are seeking specialized holistic and compassionate pediatric pelvic health care.
Focused Expertise in Pelvic Health: We haven’t just stopped at generalized pelvic health education. The Perinatal Pelvis has a therapist that is specialized in pediatric pelvic health and will be the one seeing all pediatric patients.
Consistent, Personalized Care: Every session you will see the same therapist. Consistency means that we can really get to know your child and journey with you as a family unit through your healing.
Time and Listening: We want to hear your stories. We allow 60-90 minutes for all sessions to not feel rushed and give you our full attention
Safe Environment: Our number one goal is for your child to feel comfortable and we would welcome suggestions to ensure that is the case during your visit.
Individualized: Your child’s treatments are based on their individual goals. We don’t have protocols for treatments and we are not bound by the regulations of insurance so your child can always be at the center of their care.
This is a Partnership: We help your child facilitate change and learn strategies to gain independence. We want to empower your child and you as their caregiver to have the knowledge to improve their pelvic health and maintain optimal pelvic health for years to come. Our goal is that you will not need us.
Your Child Drives Their Care: We strive to makes sure that your child always feel in control and agreeable to their care. We value autonomy and respect your child’s boundaries.
Rebuilding Trust in Your Child’s Body: The pelvis holds onto memory, but has no sense of time therefore to do this work we have to recognize the the past, listen to the body and respect what their body needs. We find that birth trauma, feeding difficulties, and other adverse events can effect the pelvic floor.
Addressing the Whole Person: We follow a biopsychosocial approach which expands the lens of pelvic floor therapy to provide the most holistic care possible. There are 4 pillars of care that we strive for: Biomechanics which includes your child’s strength, coordination, and ROM of their pelvic floor, and what most pelvic floor therapists primarily work on. Nervous System Regulation which involves learning to listen to their body, breath work and vagus nerve stimulation. Psychology including trauma informed conversations, learning new coping mechanisms, adapting to new roles and routines and finding confidence in their body. Lastly, Social and Emotional Support which includes addressing the struggles of balancing life and developing ways to engage in play, education and social interaction.
Meet Stephanie Smith Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapist Serving Hillsborough, NC
I am so glad you are here! As a mom of two, I understand how the overall well being of your child directly impacts your own well being. Just as we share in their success and joys, we often carry their difficulties and burdens as our own, too.
Bowel and bladder function is an incredibly intimate and pivotal body system, which dictates how we are able to participate in our day to day activities. The same is true with your little one! Maybe your child experiences chronic constipation, bed wetting, waiting to identify when they “gotta go,” until it is “too late,” or sensory dysregulation… the list goes on. Here at the perinatal pelvis, I work with children and their caregivers to establish an individualized treatment plan to help your child achieve their goals as it relates to pelvic health. Whether the goal is pain-free elimination, urinary continence, or improved interoception, it is my passion to help support your child to improve participation and independence in everyday activities.
I invite you to book a free consultation below.
Diagnoses and Conditions We Treat with Customized Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy
We specialize in helping children recover from a wide range of pelvic floor conditions. Here is how we help. Bowel Conditions
Constipation
Fecal Incontinence
Anal Incontinence
Bladder Conditions
Urge Incontinence
Stress Incontinence
Giggle Incontinence
Over/Under-active Bladder
Pain with Urination (Dysuria)
Excessive Night Urination (Nocturia)
Bed-wetting
Vesicourectal Reflex
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Chronic Pain
Weakness
Pelvic Pain
Body Tension
Other Issues We Address
Potty-training
Toilet Refusal Syndrome
Toilet Phobia
Transition into Puberty
Child Sexual Trauma/ Abuse
Painful Menses
Menstrual Cycle Education
Our Process
Step 1Free Consultation
This is an optional 15 minute free consultation for you to be able to ask your questions over the phone and make sure that your child’s needs will be served at The Perinatal Pelvis.
Step 2Comprehensive Evaluation
The initial 90 minute evaluation allows us to hear your child’s story, provide a very comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and jump start your child’s healing by leaving with actions you can do at home just after 1 session.
Step 3Individualized Treatment Plan
This is where the magic happens. Healing is a journey and everyones journey looks a little different but the continuous treatment is where you will see changes being made. Treatment sessions can be in-person (60 minutes) or virtual (30 minutes)