Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it also brings significant changes to your body. Many new moms assume discomfort, leaking, or pressure are just “part of recovery,” but those symptoms often point to pelvic floor dysfunction that can and should be addressed with the proper care.
At James Fowler Physical Therapy in NYC, our pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in helping you reconnect with your core, relieve symptoms, and return to feeling strong and confident after childbirth.
1. You’re Leaking with Sneezing, Laughing, or Exercise
Even light leaking (urine, gas, or stool) after childbirth is a sign your pelvic floor muscles aren’t fully coordinating yet. These muscles are meant to contract and relax in sync with your breath and movement. A pelvic floor physical therapist can retrain them through personalized postpartum physical therapy techniques to restore normal function and control.
2. You Feel Pressure or Heaviness “Down There”
A sensation of bulging, heaviness, or something “falling out” may indicate pelvic organ prolapse, a common but treatable condition after delivery. With the right exercises and body mechanics, pelvic floor therapy can reduce symptoms, rebuild support, and help you feel comfortable and confident again.
3. You Have Core Weakness or a Persistent “Mom Pooch”
If your belly still feels unsupported or you notice coning or doming along your midline, you may have diastasis recti (abdominal separation). Through pelvic floor and core rehabilitation, your therapist can help restore deep core function, enabling your body to work together as a strong, stable unit.
4. You Experience Pain with Intercourse, Tampons, or Exams
Discomfort during intimacy or internal exams is not something you need to push through. Scar tissue, tension, or nerve irritation after childbirth can make the pelvic floor overactive. Gentle, evidence-based techniques used in pelvic floor physical therapy can restore mobility, relieve pain, and make daily activities and intimacy more comfortable.
5. You Just Don’t Feel “Put Back Together” Yet
Even if you don’t have pain or leaking, many new moms describe a sense of disconnection—like their core and pelvic floor aren’t “online.” Postnatal physical therapy helps you rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence, allowing you to move freely and comfortably in your daily life again.
The Bottom Line
Every postpartum body deserves recovery support. Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean delivery, your pelvic floor has been through a lot—and skilled guidance can make all the difference.
Ready to Feel Strong Again?
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or assume things will “just heal.” Schedule your postnatal pelvic floor assessment today to learn what your body needs to recover fully and confidently.
Contact James Fowler Physical Therapy in NYC to schedule your pelvic floor physical therapy session: (212) 253-9383. next trip.