Having a baby changes your body in many ways. Some changes are easy to see. Others are hidden. Many new moms deal with leaking pee, pelvic pain, or a heavy feeling down below. These problems are very common. About 3 out of 4 women have at least one of these symptoms in the first year after birth. But here’s the good news: postpartum pelvic floor therapy can help. You don’t have to just live with these problems.

TLDR

Leaking, pain, and pressure after having a baby are very common. But you can get better. Pelvic floor therapy lowers your chance of leaking by about 37%. It also lowers your chance of prolapse (when organs slip down) by 56%. At Restorative Health & Wellness, we create a plan just for you. We help you feel strong again and get back to doing what you love.

You Deserve to Feel Good Again

Maybe you leak a little when you laugh. Maybe you’ve stopped running or jumping because it doesn’t feel right. Maybe being close with your partner hurts now. You might think this is just how life is after having a baby.

You’re not alone. Studies show that almost 3 out of 4 new moms have pelvic floor problems three months after giving birth. These issues affect how you feel every day. They can make you feel less sure of yourself. They can change how you move and connect with others.

But I want you to know something important: we can fix this. You don’t have to wait and hope it gets better on its own. Healing is possible. It starts with getting the right help.

Why Your Pelvic Floor Matters After Birth

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis. Think of it like a hammock. It holds up your bladder, uterus, and bowels. During pregnancy, these muscles work very hard. They carry extra weight for nine months. This is true whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section.

When these muscles don’t heal well, you feel it in your daily life. More than 1 in 4 women leak pee in the first year after having a baby. If you had a harder delivery or a bad tear, your symptoms may last longer without help.

These problems can make you afraid to go out. They can stop you from exercising. They can make intimacy painful. But postpartum pelvic floor therapy works. With the right care, you can feel much better.

Common Symptoms and When to Get Help

Many women think their symptoms are “just normal.” But common does not mean you have to accept it. Here are signs your pelvic floor needs help:

  • Leaking pee when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
  • Feeling a sudden, strong need to pee
  • A heavy or dragging feeling in your pelvis
  • Pain during sex
  • Trouble going to the bathroom (constipation)
  • Pain in your pelvis or tailbone after standing or being active

Some soreness and light leaking in the first few weeks after birth can be normal. But if you still have these problems at 6 to 12 weeks, it’s time to see a pelvic floor therapist. About 1 in 4 women still leak at this point. Therapy really helps.

Why Therapy Works Better Than Kegels Alone

You’ve probably heard that Kegels can fix everything. Kegels are exercises where you squeeze your pelvic floor muscles. They can help, but doing them on your own often doesn’t work well.

Here’s why: Many women do Kegels wrong. They squeeze their belly or butt instead of their pelvic floor. Some women have muscles that are too tight, not too weak. These women need to relax their muscles, not squeeze more.

The American Physical Therapy Association says one-on-one therapy works much better than doing exercises on your own. Studies show women who get postpartum pelvic floor therapy feel better faster. They have fewer symptoms. Their quality of life improves. Research shows therapy lowers your chance of leaking by about 37% and prolapse by 56% in the first year.

It’s not about doing more Kegels. It’s about doing the right exercises for your body.

How We Help at Restorative Health & Wellness

At Restorative Health & Wellness in Noblesville, we treat the whole person. We listen to your story. We create a plan that fits your needs. Our approach to pelvic floor recovery after birth is gentle and personal.

What we look at:

  • Your birth story (vaginal or C-section, tears, use of tools during delivery)
  • Questions about your bladder, bowels, pain, and intimacy
  • How you breathe, stand, and move
  • Whether your muscles are too tight or too weak

How we help:

  • Hands-on therapy for scars, tight muscles, and alignment
  • Exercises to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor
  • Breathing techniques that help your muscles work together
  • Safe ways to get back to walking, lifting, and exercise
  • Tips on bathroom habits, water intake, and fiber

Learn more about our Pelvic Health Therapy services.

A Real Story of Getting Better

One mom came to see me eight months after her second baby. She had stopped running because she leaked every time. She thought this was just her life now.

When I checked her muscles, I found they were too tight. She had been doing Kegels all the time, but that made things worse. We changed her plan. She learned to relax her muscles, breathe better, and build strength slowly. In eight weeks, she was running again with no leaking. She told me, “I wish I had come sooner.”

This is why we do this work. Every woman deserves to feel strong and sure of herself.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Healing takes time. But most women see real progress with steady work. Here’s what to expect:

0 to 6 weeks after birth: Your body is still healing. We focus on gentle breathing and learning to feel your pelvic floor.

6 to 12 weeks after birth: Many women feel much better during this time with regular therapy.

3 to 6 months after birth: You get stronger. Leaking gets less. You feel ready to do more active things.

6 to 12 months after birth: With continued work, your risk of ongoing problems drops a lot.

Studies show that pelvic floor exercises in the first year really help. And if you’re past that first year? It’s still not too late. Your body can still change and heal.

Simple Things You Can Do at Home

Therapy gives you the best results. But here are some safe things you can start now:

  • Breathe deeply. Let your belly and ribs expand. Feel your pelvic floor relax and move.
  • Don’t push hard on the toilet. Use a stool under your feet. Drink enough water. Eat fiber.
  • Write down your symptoms. Note when you leak or feel heavy. This helps your therapist understand your patterns.
  • Take gentle walks. Moving helps healing. Don’t hold your breath or brace too hard.

For exercises that target your pelvic floor, see a therapist first. This is extra important if you had tears, prolapse, a C-section, or a lot of pain.

Questions New Moms Often Ask

How soon after birth can I start pelvic floor therapy?

Many women can start as early as 2 to 6 weeks after birth. Check with your doctor first. Early help sets you up for better healing.

Is leaking normal after having a baby?

It’s common, but you don’t have to live with it. Postpartum pelvic floor therapy is the best first treatment for leaking.

I had a C-section. Do I still need therapy?

Yes. Pregnancy itself puts stress on your pelvic floor. Therapy also helps your C-section scar heal well and keeps your core strong.

Can therapy help if my baby is 1 or 2 years old, or older?

Yes! Your body can still get better months or years later. It’s never too late to start.

What happens at my first visit?

We talk about your symptoms, your birth, and your goals. We check how you breathe, stand, and move. Then we make a plan just for you.

Do you offer online visits?

Yes! We see patients in person in Noblesville. We also offer video visits for people anywhere in central Indiana.

Key Takeaways

  • Pelvic floor problems after birth are common, but they can get better. This is not your “new normal.”
  • About 3 out of 4 new moms have symptoms. Therapy lowers the risk of leaking and prolapse.
  • Working with a therapist gives better results than doing Kegels on your own.
  • Many women feel better in 6 to 12 weeks with steady therapy.
  • Healing your pelvic floor helps you feel comfortable, strong, and confident in your body, your movement, and your relationships.

Take the First Step Today

You gave so much to bring your baby into the world. Now it’s time to take care of yourself. You deserve to move without fear, laugh without worry, and feel good in your body again.

At Restorative Health & Wellness, we offer caring, private postpartum pelvic floor therapy made just for you. Whether your baby is weeks old or years old, there is hope. We’re here to help you.

Ready to feel better? Contact Restorative Health & Wellness today. Schedule an in-person visit in Noblesville or a video visit from anywhere in central Indiana.