Lactation & Pelvic Physiotherapy: Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT) Shares Must-Know Guidance for Mothers (Part-6)
MedBound Times extends a heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Aysha Izzah for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
Many people still aren’t aware that OBG/Gynae physiotherapy exists—or how much it can improve women’s health at different stages of life. To spread awareness about this important and lesser-known aspect of physiotherapy, Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT) and Himani Negi from Medbound Times spoke with Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT), a women’s health physiotherapist.
Currently serving as a Consultant Lactation and Obs/Gynae Physiotherapist at Aarogyam Physio, Gurgaon, she has been actively working to raise awareness about this specialized field.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from SGT University and a Master’s in Obs and Gynae Physiotherapy from the same institution, she highlights in this interview how physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing pregnancy-related discomfort, supporting postnatal recovery, addressing pelvic floor issues, and promoting overall wellness.
Himani Negi: Many doctors conduct workshops nowadays, which can be useful. But when it comes to physiotherapy and exercise, things can get critical because every person’s needs are different. If I’m told by my physio not to exercise till the end of the month, then a workshop suggesting otherwise could confuse me. For a general audience with no medical background, should we attend such workshops, and how do we decide?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): For a general audience, the first step is to check the instructor’s clinical and educational background. Next, be clear about what you want to learn. But since physiotherapy exercises depend on individual conditions, one-size-fits-all workshops are usually not helpful for non-medicos.
If you’re new or have no prior knowledge, it’s better to take one-on-one sessions rather than rely only on group workshops. Workshops can be a starting point, but they should always be followed by personal consultation. And importantly, after attending a workshop, don’t hesitate to go back to the instructor for guidance if you face difficulties—handholding is part of the process, not just a one-time class.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): We have discussed many aspects already; in that context, do physiotherapists also play an important role during the lactation phase?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): If you are just a master’s in physiotherapy, the limitation is still there. Unless someone has done additional certifications or courses, I would personally not recommend practicing in this area. If you’ve done a BPNI’s 7-day course or an IBLCE certification, then you have the right to practice.
Because general advice, when not backed with proper training, can sometimes be harmful for a mother. Breastfeeding and lactation are very sensitive topics, with countless myths overshadowing the facts. So if we are not well-trained and informed, speaking on it would not do justice to the mother’s needs.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): So that means we also need to educate patients that there are specific exercises and methods to handle such cases, and they cannot just rely on general advice like ‘do this, do that’?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): Exactly. First, practice and connect. Then enroll yourself, do a certification, or take up proper courses before guiding someone in this domain.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Why do you think women’s health and physiotherapy are still so under-recognized in India? Do you have any opinion on that?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): The main reason is actually us, women ourselves. We don’t bring enough light to this topic. Unless we openly talk about common problems, awareness will not rise, and without awareness, answers don’t come.
There’s also the fear of judgment, which often replaces the intention to help. That’s unfortunate, but I won’t deny there are good people working on it. The point is, we need to speak up—that’s how recognition will grow.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): You must have come across many stigmas and hesitations in women, especially when they talk about intimate health and pelvic health. How do you handle such cases? What do you usually tell them?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): I always start from the basics. When a woman comes to me for a sexual health session, 90% of the time, she doesn’t even know what sexual health truly means. Many have never seen their own body parts; they aren’t aware of what the perineum is.
So I begin from that point—I educate them, explain step by step, and build comfort gradually. From there, I help them feel safe enough to let me assess and guide them, even in sensitive areas like intimacy and their bedroom. Starting with the basics is what helps me truly connect with them.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Should young women or teenage girls be educated early about pelvic health or menstrual physiotherapy?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): It's not only young women or teenage girls who should be educated regarding pelvic health and menstrual education. Well, every individual on earth should be aware about it and know the basics. If we have men around us, they do have a sister, they do have a friend, they have their partners, they have their girlfriends or colleagues. So they should also be aware about what menstruation is and how to cope up with it. Because we are in a society where we are co-living, so both should be knowing it.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Can physiotherapy play a role in preventive care, like before conception or even before any issues begin?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): Prevention is always better than cure, no doubt about it. So if you're asking about the roles of physiotherapy before conception or even before any issue begins, definitely. If people are aware about the pelvic floor and their body, we can definitely help them with a lot of things even before they go into conception or they plan for conception. How good their body is, if there are some issues, if they need some help, definitely a physiotherapist can help with that.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): For working women or homemakers, how can exercises be adapted to fit into daily routines?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): Women may be working or a homemaker. If they intend, they can adapt to exercising as a part of their daily routine. For example, if a woman is working and she switches from sitting on a chair to maybe changing it with using a Swiss ball or minor changes like correction of the posture. If a woman is working at home, we can do a lot of ergonomic changes and maybe just a simple example like she is sitting and chopping. We can tell her to sit in Vajrasana or any position which can help her. So simple, simple changes. If they intend to change, yes can bring a lot of changes.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Do you collaborate with other specialists like gynecologists, nutritionists, or mental health professionals?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): Collaboration is truly the need of the hour for human sustainability. Without it, meaningful results are difficult to achieve—whether in the work of a nutritionist, gynecologist, or any other healthcare professional. Collaboration provides a wholesome, holistic approach to supporting an individual. While a single professional can address one aspect of a concern, it is through collaborative efforts that we can bring about comprehensive change. Today, more than ever, factors like mental health and nutrition require such integrated care. That is why I strongly recommend and advocate for collaboration in healthcare.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What changes do you hope to see in women’s healthcare in the next 5–10 years?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): The next 5–10 years are going to flip women’s health upside down. Awareness will no longer be a luxury—it will be the norm. Physios and healthcare professionals won’t just “treat problems,” they’ll prevent them. The common public will finally know their bodies better, speak up louder, and seek help earlier.
We’re not just moving toward change—we’re standing at the edge of a revolution in women’s health.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What message would you like to give to women, especially those who are unaware or hesitant about seeking physiotherapy support for their health?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): Silence hides struggles, speaking out sparks strength. Seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s power. Speak up. Reach out. Own your strength.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Any advice you’d like to share with young physiotherapists or students who are considering a career in women’s health?
Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT): Physio banna hai toh base rock solid banao.” Not just the pelvic floor—know the anatomy head to toe.
Don’t preach without evidence. No copy-paste advice—every patient is unique.
Women’s health has a sky-high scope. Stay knowledgeable, stay clear in your vision…and the world will call you a true game-changer.
MedBound Times extends a heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Juhi Saxena (PT) for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
