33%. One-third. One out of every three mothers.
Pelvic health problems after childbirth are more common than many people realize. Yet, postpartum pelvic floor health is often overlooked in routine postpartum care.
Think back to your postpartum appointment. Did your provider ask about your mental health? Your support system at home? Breastfeeding? Postpartum and breastfeeding nutrition? Your pelvic floor?
Too often, these important topics go unaddressed, leaving new mothers without the information they need—and sometimes without even knowing what questions to ask.
Today, I want to focus on that last question: your pelvic floor.
The Postpartum Care Gap
Pelvic floor health is rarely addressed in a meaningful way during the postpartum appointment. Often, there is no physical examination to assess pelvic floor function, strength, or healing.
As a result, many women are left wondering whether the changes they experience in their “nether regions” are normal after giving birth. They may turn to friends or Dr. Google for answers, only to be left trying to diagnose themselves.
Women routinely hear things like:
“That’s normal after having a baby.”
“It takes time.”
“It’ll go away.”2
But what happens when it doesn't go away?
There is often no scheduled follow-up to check whether symptoms have improved or resolved. And referrals to postpartum pelvic floor physical therapists—professionals who can assess and treat these concerns—are far from routine.
The result? Many women are left to navigate their recovery on their own, assuming that discomfort, pain, or changes in bodily function are simply part of motherhood.
But common doesn't necessarily mean something you should have to live with.
What Can Happen to Your Pelvic Floor After Birth?
According to LWF Physiotherapy, childbirth can affect the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, connective tissue (fascia), and nerves. Without appropriate assessment and treatment, these changes can contribute to a range of postpartum symptoms.3
These may include:
Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, gas, or stool
Pelvic organ prolapse: When one or more pelvic organs descend into or toward the vaginal canal
Pain during sex
Back, hip, groin, or vulvovaginal pain
Changes in sexual function, including difficulty or inability to orgasm
Urinary symptoms, such as increased frequency or urgency
Bowel symptoms, including constipation or difficulty passing stool
Difficulty returning to exercise or participating comfortably in physical activity
These symptoms can affect a woman's comfort, confidence, relationships, and quality of life.
Yet, too often, women are told that these experiences are simply part of having a baby. While postpartum recovery takes time, you don't have to accept ongoing symptoms as your new normal.
Why We Believe Pelvic Floor Therapy Should Be Part of Every Mother's Recovery
At Ada’s Gift Doulas, we believe this gap in postpartum care is unacceptable.
That's why every one of our clients receives a referral for pelvic floor physical therapy. We believe an assessment by a qualified pelvic health professional is an important part of postpartum recovery, whether or not a mother is experiencing noticeable symptoms.
You don't have to wait until something hurts, or until you experience leakage or other concerns, to seek support.
Did You Know? France Includes Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation in Postpartum Care
In France, pelvic floor rehabilitation has long been incorporated into postpartum care. Eligible new mothers are routinely offered prescribed sessions of pelvic floor rehabilitation, often regardless of whether they report symptoms.
How amazing is that?
The French program was introduced in 1985 with the goals of preventing postpartum incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse and restoring sexual function.
Decades ago, this approach recognized something that other healthcare systems are still working to address: pelvic floor and core recovery are important parts of a mother's long-term health and quality of life.
Postpartum recovery deserves more attention than a single six-week checkup.
How to Advocate for Your Pelvic Health
Recognizing the need for pelvic floor care is the first step. Unfortunately, if you live outside a system where this care is routinely provided, you may need to advocate for yourself.
Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Research your options before your baby arrives.
Look for a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist in your area. Ask your healthcare provider, doula, or other trusted professionals for recommendations, and look for a therapist with experience in pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
2. Schedule your assessment in advance.
If possible, get an appointment on your calendar before your baby is born. Once your little one arrives, you'll have plenty to think about. Planning ahead makes it easier to prioritize your own recovery, too.
3. Talk with your healthcare provider and insurance company.
Ask your provider for a referral and check whether your insurance covers pelvic floor physical therapy. Coverage and referral requirements vary, so it's worth understanding your options early.
4. Make pelvic floor therapy part of your baby registry.
Yes, really! An assessment or a session with a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist can be a thoughtful, practical gift for a new mother. Instead of another baby blanket, why not give Mom a little support for her own recovery?
5. Don't wait for symptoms to become unbearable.
You don't need to be in pain or experiencing incontinence to ask questions about your pelvic floor. A qualified therapist can help assess your needs and determine what care, if any, would be appropriate for you.
It's Never Too Late to Get Help
Have you had a baby—whether recently or years ago—and experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above?
It's not too late to seek help!
You deserve to feel comfortable in your body, return to activities you enjoy, and receive support for your recovery. A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate your symptoms, help you understand what's happening, and develop an individualized plan of care.
You spent months growing and carrying your baby, and your body went through an enormous transition to bring them into the world. Your recovery deserves care and attention, too.
At Ada's Gift Doulas, we believe pelvic health should be part of the postpartum conversation from the very beginning.
Looking for a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in the Lafayette, Indiana, Area?
Here are two local resources to explore:
Reach out to learn more about their services, availability, and approach to postpartum pelvic health.
Please note: This information is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Decisions regarding pelvic floor therapy should be made in consultation with your obstetric or midwifery care provider or a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist.
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