So, you’ve went through nine months of pregnancy, hours of labor, maybe even a c-section, and now you have your new baby to bring home. The hard work is done, right? Not exactly…moms should learn what is “normal” for their own bodies post-baby! Pain, leaking, pelvic floor weakness, bulging sensation, constipation post-delivery? Not normal! Nix the mom-guilt and learn what to expect when you are done expecting in your new post-baby life.

No Pain

• That’s right! No pelvic, vaginal, or rectal pain, no back, hip or groin pain should persist post-delivery.
• If you have pain, bring it up to your provider and consider seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist (PT). A pelvic floor PT can assess what is going on with your body and put together a valuable treatment plan for your specific complaints.
• You can also read about To Kegel or Not to Kegel

No leaking

• Leaking urine is NOT a normal part of having a baby!
• If you are at 6 weeks postpartum and are leaking with any activities including coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, etc., a pelvic floor physical therapist can help!
• You can also look into Flyte – a 5 min/day at-home pelvic floor strengthening device!
• Read more here.
• You can also check out our 3 tips to reduce SUI (stress urinary incontinence)
• Kegel how-to guide video – You tube link

No pressure

• You should NOT be having pelvic pressure, bulging, or heaviness!
• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms are related to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues that allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop (bladder, uterus, rectum).
• Symptoms can be experienced with or without specific activities including lifting, exercising, or bending and are usually worse at the end of the day.
• A prolapse that occurs right after childbirth can typically resolve but can also be an indicator of future prolapse problems.
• Post-baby, a prolapse can be from excessive pushing during labor, a large baby, prior pelvic floor muscle weakness, poor intraabdominal pressure management during pregnancy or postpartum, constipation, weight gain, coughing, and more pregnancies and deliveries.
• Read more about 6 tips for managing prolapse symptoms here!

No straining

It is NOT normal to continue to have difficulty emptying (straining) your bowels or bladder!

• Right away after baby is born, bowel movements can be a challenge. But after a few weeks this should be improving. If you are still struggling to have a bowel movement and constipation, try these tips:
• Squatty potty: Helps to open the muscles around the bottom to improve ability to pass a bowel movement
• Water: Drinking plenty of fluids avoids dehydration that can harden stools
• Gentle, short walks for exercise: Improves motility in the gut!
• Eat foods with fiber: Fruits, veggies, and whole grains – helps to normalize bowel movements
• Stool softeners or laxatives: May be needed, refer to your healthcare provider if necessary
• Listen to the Flyte podcast, Pelvic Floor at Its Core, and learn more: How we Should Be Pooping, What It Should Look Like and How to Improve Your Bowel Health, featuring Dr. Jen Morgan

You don’t just “bounce back” in 6 weeks after childbirth

• Posture, strength, coordination, and endurance take time! No one is perfect - Focus on quality vs quantity.
• Be sure to take your time to build up strength, coordination, and endurance as these are important to return to the activities you love!
• A physical therapist can also help determine your readiness to return to the activities you love if you are unsure what is right for you.
• Listen to the Flyte podcast, Pelvic Floor at Its Core, and learn more: Empowering women during pregnancy and postpartum, featuring Dr. Kelsey Beach