Welcome to The Lullaby Letters, often penned in the quiet hours next to my sometimes snoring toddler. In each edition, I curate useful prenatal and postpartum resources, and in "Meet our Mama-Kind", I invite inspiring mamas to share their journey and perspectives.
This month, I chat with Clare, a mama of twins who started Calyx with her partner Chloe, in hopes of changing how women’s health physiotherapy is delivered so that they can reach more mamas and women who need it.
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P.S. For those of you who have been thinking of doing a holistic postpartum check-up, Clare has kindly offered a 50% off discount for your first visit to Calyx. Look out for the promo code in her interview below.
The Good, The Bad... and The Ugly
(all the weird postpartum symptoms no one really talks about)
I’ll be honest; those first weeks with a newborn were easily some of the most challenging days of my life.
Looking back now, those days were simultaneously sweet and simple, yet I had also never been as exhausted, exhilarated, or bewildered. For one, let’s talk about all the weird postpartum symptoms no one really tells a pregnant mama.
On the way back from the hospital, my breastmilk had just kicked in, leaving me with an unfamiliar and growing soreness in my boobs. Then lo and behold, my feet started swelling up so much they looked more like trunks; catching me by surprise (I didn’t have much water retention before this).
I was warm all the time while pregnant, but wow, the postpartum sweats hit different. Largely due to the drastic drop in hormones, the sweats help to release excess fluids from the body, but it felt like I had just finished a hotpot meal every single moment.
Then, there were the bright spots. I experienced carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, so for months on end, I woke up every morning with numb fingers and stiff joints. For the first half of the day, I would have difficulty opening a jar of peanut butter, feeling pretty much like an old, arthritic lady. But hey, all that went away magically right after I delivered, as I revelled in the mobility of my youthful fingers once more.
The best part — I was radiant. My skin was the clearest it had ever been and I loved my postpartum glow. :)
What I have described are some of the symptoms I had that no one really told me about. I had a friend who experienced this immense feeling of sadness during letdowns, a condition as many as 9 percent of breastfeeding women experience. Another mama friend had difficulty holding her pee in, and during her confinement month, had such an intense coughing episode that she peed all over the floor. :(
Everyone’s postpartum experience will differ, but certain symptoms such as incontinence and pelvic pain are key things to look out for as potential red flags in your recovery. This is when you would be best advised to reach out to your gynaecologist, or a women’s health physiotherapist, for a proper assessment. I'll leave that to this month's mama expert to share more with you.
Meet Clare :)
As a prenatal and postpartum coach, I deeply believe that mamas should have access to specialised care as part of their ongoing postpartum recovery; and not just as a last resort when issues become severe and referred out to physiotherapy. I love that Clare and her partner Chloe set up their practice to address this gap in the postpartum care journey.
I also took the chance to quiz Clare on traditional confinement practices such as belly binding, and whether some of these should still be followed in the modern era of motherhood. Do read on to find out more from our women's health expert.
1. Hi Clare! Can you introduce yourself?
Hi Gayle! Thank you for inviting me to share about my motherhood journey and the work that I love. I am a women’s health physiotherapist specialising in women’s musculoskeletal and pelvic health, focusing on pregnancy, postpartum recovery and perimenopause. I am also a mum to a pair of identical twin boys and I’ve recently birthed my third baby: Calyx, a women’s health physiotherapy clinic.
2. Can you tell us about Calyx and what inspired you to start a dedicated space for women's health?
My co-founder Chloe and I started Calyx because we believe women in Singapore deserve better physiotherapy. Women need care that understands their bodies, lives and unique needs. Starting a space specifically for women allows care to be tailored according to their needs.
In our clinical work, we’ve seen too many women who are told their pain is normal and “not serious” or that symptoms like leaking, heaviness, painful sex, joint aches, fatigue, or brain fog are just “part and parcel” or being a woman or a mother. Calyx is here to challenge that, and to treat women as a whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Take a look here to see what happens during a postpartum physiotherapy assessment.
Beyond that, our own pregnancy and postpartum journeys showed us the gaps in prenatal and postpartum care in Singapore. It also opened our eyes to how many women are left managing symptoms that are quickly dismissed, even though they affect how women move and feel.
[Quote our exclusive promo code "PILATESLIFENL" for a 50% discount off your first visit, when you book your appointment via WhatsApp (+65 8869 2124) or the website. Promo code is valid till end of 2025.]
3. As a mum of twins, what was your own postpartum recovery like?
I get this question a lot! I think the biggest challenge was caring for three new beings: two newborns and one new mum. I had to learn the ropes of my new role as mum, making sense of my new body, and figuring out what my babies need. I’ll be honest, the initial weeks were very challenging and overwhelming. I had a confinement nanny, family, and a helper. Paradoxically, having a lot of help did not really make it easier for me because everyone had a different opinion.
Physically, recovery was slow because I delivered via C-section and had a surgical wound to tend to while I cared for my boys. I was breastfeeding and pumping around the clock so I did not get much rest. The cliche saying to "sleep when the baby sleeps” doesn’t really happen.
Knowing what I know about postpartum recovery was what helped me recover functionally after birth. Things like how to splint the c-section wound when moving or sneezing, the best way to get in and out of bed, the easiest way to bathe the boys, the most comfortable way to breastfeed and carry the babies helped. Most of this knowledge came through my education and things I’ve picked up from other mums (patients)! I was also able to start simple exercises early to regain sensation, control and strength in my core.
This was one of the biggest reasons why I now focus my work on supporting mums before and after birth. If it was so hard for me despite this being my expertise, it must be way more challenging for other women. I think knowledge is the best way to help women feel more in control and less overwhelmed during these huge life transitions.
4. As a women's health physiotherapist, what are your views on traditional asian confinement methods like belly binding and not leaving the house for the first month?
This is a controversial one! I’m Chinese so I went through all the traditional Chinese confinement practices to “appease the elders” and to also you know, do it “just in case”.
I think confinement methods were created for a good reason. Confinement nannies help mums to get things done around the house and care for both the new mum and the new baby. Even things like not being allowed to shower or wash our hair in the first month might have made sense in the past when water was not as clean, or when there’s no heating or hair dryers.
As a women’s health physiotherapist in 2025 though, I would take everything with a pinch of salt.
1. Belly binding: Supportive garments are helpful to provide support to the tissues that are gradually returning to their previous position or length. It also allows tissues to approximate (i.e come closer together) to optimise healing. However, most postpartum belly binding is done way too tightly. It shouldn’t be about trying to bind it back to “original shape”. In fact, tight binding can cause alternations in core pressure and can do more harm to the healing tissues as well as exert too much pressure on the pelvic floor. This can slow healing because of the pressure on the tissues in the perineal area that have just been through birth, and can also contribute to future dysfunctions in the pelvic floor.
2. Not leaving the house: There’s two sides to this. I like that women are in a way “forced” to stay home and take it easy because we know how easy it is to shelf our own rest and needs to do more for our children. On the other hand, being confined within four walls (because honestly, not many women in Singapore have the luxury of a big home with lots of space to move), can be detrimental to mum’s mental health. Sunlight, fresh air, gentle movement, social interactions and community all have a big part to play in postpartum emotional and physical wellness.
3. Lie down and rest: Horizontal rest is actually incredibly important for new mums. This takes pressure away from the pelvic area and allows the tissues in the abdomen, pelvis, and genital area to recover. One thing I’d add to this is to get started on some gentle pelvic floor activation exercises to get things moving to speed recovery and reconnection to our bodies. This is something that can be learned BEFORE birth so that you know what to do after.
There are many confinement practices, and there are some differences among different cultures. I’d be happy to discuss them through the lens of a physiotherapist and mum.
5. Can you share some women's health symptoms/conditions postpartum mamas should look out for, and when we should check in with a physiotherapist?
Some symptoms to look out for:
Early postpartum:
1. any kind of aches/pain (anywhere in the body!)
2. pelvic heaviness or discomfort
3. breast engorgement or mastitis
4. Wide gap between the abdominal muscles and difficulty engaging the core
Any time after birth (even years after):
1. bladder or bowel issues (leaking, increased urge, constipation or incontinence)
2. pelvic heaviness or pain
3. pain with penetration (i.e. sex, gynae checks, using tampons)
4. sexual challenges (i.e. pain, loss of pleasure or sensation)
5. C-section scar tightness/discomfort
6. Discomfort on returning to daily activities/exercise
7. Persistent gap between the abdominal muscles/abdominal bulge (diastasis recti)
These are some common issues that women experience postpartum. Generally, anything that feels different/odd is worth getting checked out! The aim of seeking help is to improve how mums feel and move so you definitely do not need a “diagnosis” or a “serious condition” to get support.
6. How about for prenatal mamas who experience aches and pains during pregnancy? How can a physiotherapist help?
Aches and pains during pregnancy are very common because of the huge changes that occur in the body. A physiotherapist trained in women’s musculoskeletal physiotherapy through the life stages can help to manage aches and pains in a way that is safe for mummy and baby. We use manual hands-on techniques as well as gentle movements and exercises to ease the pain and to help to prevent recurrent aches.
Birth preparation with a women’s health physiotherapist also helps women to manage discomfort during pregnancy and prepare for birth by learning how to prepare her body for birth (e.g. through perineal massage, pelvic mobility and breathing exercises), understanding the stages of labour, and learning how to push effectively during birth. We also equip pregnant mums with knowledge to aid postpartum recovery.
7. What is your approach to parenting/ what is one thing you've learnt (or had to unlearn) when it comes to parenting?
Parenting was/is brand new to me so sometimes it feels like I am conducting my own real life research on twins. What I’ve learnt is that we can’t control everything. Take it from me, a twin mum, that even parenting a pair of identical twins (who share the same DNA) the same way can result in different outcomes.
So, when the going gets tough, just take a deep breath and know that you’re doing your best and try not to compare yourself with others (or even the mum you are/were for another child!). We mums are growing and learning alongside our children, and that’s the beauty of parenthood!
💬 I hope you've enjoyed this edition of The Lullaby Letters. If you've any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out here. 🤍
Love,
Gayle
Creator of Dear Postpartum Mama