Your First Visit — What to Expect
If you've never been to a pelvic floor physical therapist before, you probably have questions. Maybe some nerves too. That's completely normal — and this page is here so you know exactly what's coming before anything happens.
It Starts Before the Visit
Your first step is a free 15-minute discovery call. This is just a phone conversation — no exam, no commitment. You tell Dr. Avonlea what you're experiencing, she asks a few questions, and together you decide if PT is a good next step. If it is, she'll schedule your first session — either at your home or at her Costa Mesa office at C+C MotherKin, whichever works better for you.
Before your session, she'll send you a brief intake form so she can learn a bit about your history, your symptoms, and your goals. You fill it out whenever you have a quiet moment — no rush.
Whether you're at home or at the Costa Mesa office, Dr. Avonlea comes prepared with everything she needs. You don't need to set anything up or prepare in any special way.
Your first session is a full evaluation — not a rushed checklist. She takes time to hear your whole story, complete a thorough assessment, and build a treatment plan designed specifically for you. Internal work is never required. Babies are welcome at every session. And by the time you leave, you'll understand your body better than you have in months of Googling.
Follow-up sessions are 55 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Avonlea — no aides, no shared attention, every minute focused on you.
What Your First Visit Addresses
Beyond the physical assessment, your first session is about something most moms haven't had enough of: being heard.
Dr. Avonlea understands that walking into PT for the first time can bring up anxiety — especially around the unknown. Here's what the first visit helps with:
Fear of the unknown
you'll leave knowing exactly what's happening in your body and what the plan is
Concerns about internal exams
internal work is never required; you'll be told about every step before anything happens
Feeling unheard by previous providers
she listens to your full story, not a 5-minute intake summary
Confusion from conflicting advice
she cuts through what Google says and tells you what's actually happening in your body
Uncertainty about what comes next
you leave with a clear, specific treatment plan
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your First Session
Step 1 — Discovery Call
A free 15-minute phone conversation. No exam, no commitment. You share what you're dealing with, Dr. Avonlea asks a few questions, and together you decide whether PT is the right next step.
Step 2 — Intake Form
She sends a brief intake form before your visit so she can learn your history, symptoms, and goals in advance. Fill it out whenever you have a quiet moment.
Step 3 — She Listens First
She sits down and hears your full story. What you've been dealing with. How long. What you've tried. What's frustrating you. She's not rushing through a checklist.
Step 4 — Thorough Assessment
She evaluates your breathing, posture, core coordination, pelvic floor function, and scar tissue (if applicable). For babies, she assesses range of motion, head shape, and movement patterns through gentle, playful interaction.
Step 5 — She Explains What She Finds
You won't leave confused. Dr. Avonlea walks you through exactly what she's seeing and why it matters.
Step 6 — You Leave With a Plan
A specific plan built for your body, your symptoms, and your life — including things you can start doing between sessions.
Is This Visit Right for You?
Your first visit is designed for:
Pregnant moms — dealing with pelvic girdle pain, SIJ or SPD, or wanting to prepare for labor and reduce risk of tearing
Postpartum moms — whether you're 6 weeks out or 6 years out, dealing with leaking, pain, diastasis recti, C-section scar recovery, or just something that "doesn't feel right"
Moms whose babies need PT — torticollis, plagiocephaly, tummy time difficulties, or motor milestone delays
Moms who need both — Dr. Avonlea can treat you and your baby, often in the same visit
You don't need a referral. You don't need to have a specific diagnosis. If something feels off, that's enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Internal work is never required. Dr. Avonlea has many ways to assess and treat your pelvic floor without internal techniques. If internal work ever becomes part of the conversation, it's your choice — and she'll explain everything before anything happens.
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Whatever's comfortable. Think yoga pants, leggings, a soft T-shirt. Nothing special. Whether you're at home or in the office, you should feel at ease. Avoid jeans or restrictive clothing so Dr. Avonlea can properly assess your movement.
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Absolutely. Babies are welcome at every session — at home and at the office. Many moms schedule during nap time, but if your baby is awake, that's completely fine. Dr. Avonlea works around feeding schedules, diaper changes, and the beautiful unpredictability of life with a baby.
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That's okay. A lot of moms carry frustration, grief, and relief that finally someone is listening. There's no wrong way to show up.
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Both. Dr. Avonlea offers in-office appointments at C+C MotherKin, 3185 Airway Ave, Suite E2, Costa Mesa, as well as in-home sessions across Orange County. You choose what works best for you.
Most patients feel relief and clarity after just one visit.
Your first step is a free 15-minute call.