Pediatric Pelvic Power
Welcome to Pediatric Pelvic Power
At Pediatric Pelvic Power, I specialize in pediatric occupational therapy with a focus on pelvic floor therapy, encopresis, constipation, and toileting challenges. My mission is to support children and their families through compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the underlying physical, sensory, and behavioral components of chronic bowel and toileting issues.
Every child’s experience is unique. That’s why I take a whole-child approach, blending functional strategies, play-based activities, and sensory-motor techniques to help children build confidence, independence, and body awareness. Whether your child is struggling with toilet training, withholding stool, or facing ongoing bowel accidents, I am here to help with patience, creativity, and a plan tailored just for them.
Why Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy takes a whole-child, functional approach, using play-based therapy to build healthy toileting habits, address sensory needs, routines, interoception awareness, emotional regulation, and the child’s overall experience with bowel movements. OTs also work on strengthening and relaxing pelvic floor and core musculature. OTs look at when, where, why, and how a child avoids bowel movements and help make it feel safe, predictable, and successful.
Why Home-Based Therapy?
I am located in Monmouth County, NJ and willing to travel up to 45 minutes. Home-based
therapy offers a unique and effective way to support your child’s progress. Therapy takes place
in the exact home or routine that your child uses every day. This allows me to evaluate and adjust
the environment (bathroom setup, posture, routines). Home-based therapy naturally invites
parents and caregivers to be part of the process. You will learn hands-on strategies you can use
between sessions and feel empowered to carry over progress into everyday routines. Home-
based therapy can also save time for busy families. Therapy becomes one part of a healthy, well-
rounded weekly routine, without the stress of driving or juggling multiple appointments.
Interoception Therapy
Interoception is our internal sense regarding how we notice, interpret, and respond to signals from inside our body, like hunger, thirst, temperature, pain, emotions, and bowel/bladder urges. When this system is underdeveloped or dysregulated, it can affect many areas of a child’s life, especially toileting. Interoception therapy is a powerful tool for building self-awareness, independence, and emotional resilience. It’s especially helpful for children with sensory processing challenges, for those who “just can’t explain how they feel.”
Conditions We Address
Chronic Constipation
Encopresis
Behavioral Challenges
Impaired Coordination
Stool Withholding
Pelvic Floor Weakness
Toilet Refusal/Anxiety
Interoception Difficulty
Signs and Symptoms Your Child May Benefit from Occupational Therapy
Determining whether a child needs pelvic floor therapy can be challenging, as the signs and symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for typical childhood behaviors. Here at Pediatric Pelvic Power, I am determined to find the root cause of your child’s discomfort. There are key indicators that may suggest a child could benefit from this type of therapy. If a child is experiencing persistent issues related to bladder, bowel, or pelvic pain, or if they show signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation. Here is a breakdown of some common signs that might suggest the need for pelvic floor therapy.
âž” Chronic Toilet Training Issues
âž” Difficulty or Regression with Toilet Training
âž” Fear of the Toilet
âž” Urinary Issues
âž” Pain with Bowel Movements
âž” Chronic Constipation
âž” Fecal Incontinence
âž” Avoidance of Bowel Movements
âž” Poor Posture
âž” Difficulty Sitting
âž” Difficulty with Physical Activities
âž” Toilet Training Anxiety
âž” Aggression or Mood Changes due to Chronic Discomfort
What strategies do we use?
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Pelvic Floor Muscle Training using Non-Invasive Techniques
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Education and Skill Development of Toileting Techniques
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Strength and Coordination Exercises
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Diaphragmatic Breathing
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Toileting Mechanics
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Interoception Training
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Social/Emotional Activities Through Play
Meet Sargam: Our Pediatric Pelvic Care Provider
Sargam Nanavati is a dedicated occupational therapist and the founder of Pediatric Pelvic Power, a practice committed to providing specialized care for children facing pelvic floor dysfunction and toileting challenges. Sargam graduated from Rutgers University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, followed by a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 2009.
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With extensive experience in diverse settings—including nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and early intervention—Sargam recognized a critical gap in care for children struggling with pelvic floor and toileting issues. Her passion was ignited by a desire to ensure that every child receives the compassionate and individualized care they deserve. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for children with pelvic floor dysfunction or toileting challenges, facilitating better overall development and emotional well-being.
Sargam has completed specialized coursework in pediatric pelvic health. Sargam is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey and can provide in-home mobile therapy within a 45 minute radius in the comfort of your own home. Video conferencing for family coaching is also another option. If you’re seeking a caring and skilled therapist to help your child thrive, Sargam invites you to connect with Pediatric Pelvic Power.