The journey of motherhood is a profound and transformative experience, yet it often leaves women grappling with changes in their bodies that they may not have anticipated. One crucial aspect of postpartum health that is frequently overlooked is pelvic floor care. This care is not just about physical well-being but about reclaiming a sense of normalcy and control over your body. The question arises: Is it ever too late to receive postpartum pelvic floor care? The simple answer is NO, nope, no way!
Even years after pregnancy, pelvic floor therapy can help you!
The Neglected Postpartum Phase
The postpartum period is full of adjustments—new roles, routines, and a new body. Cruelly, our society often focuses on a superficial goal of attaining the “pre-mommy” body in shaming and damaging ways, where the emphasis is on returning to your original size in jeans but ignores crucial aspects of the new mother’s overall physical health. The new mother is often isolated, watching her hair fall out, her weight fluctuates, and her moods rise and fall, and now suddenly, she pees every time she laughs or coughs. Is it any wonder in the midst of all this, pelvic floor health often takes a backseat? Society normalizes issues like minor incontinence and even jokes about the inevitability of “wearing a diaper” while chasing after kids. These societal norms, coupled with a healthcare system that often prioritizes immediate postpartum concerns over long-term well-being, contribute to the neglect of pelvic floor health. According to Sherryl DeVries, MSPT, an experienced pelvic floor therapist with advanced training in postpartum care,
“With all the changes we experience with pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, the pelvic floor can take a backseat to the new family ride! Settling into new roles, a new body, new time schedules, and just a little “leaking” does not stand out as a problem. And, socially, we are given visions of wearing a “diaper” chasing after our kids as normal. Time keeps marching on and our child is graduating from High School, and we’re staring down peri-menopause. It’s never too late!
Contrary to popular belief, postpartum care, including pelvic floor rehabilitation, does not have an expiration date. Whether your child is a newborn or in grad school, you can still seek treatment if you suspect pelvic floor damage. The good news is that pelvic floor therapy has been shown to be effective even decades after childbirth.
Consider the following scenarios:
- A minor “leak” after childbirth becomes a moderate issue over the years, exacerbated by sneezing, coughing, or exercise.
- Persistent downward pressure on the pelvic floor that feels irritating or heavy by the end of the day.
- Irritation or pain during intercourse.
These symptoms are not limited to the immediate postpartum period and can manifest or worsen over time.
Personal Stories
Women who have sought pelvic floor therapy later in life often report significant improvements. One mother shared that she experienced severe incontinence years after her last child was born. After finally seeking pelvic floor therapy, she regained control and significantly improved her quality of life. Another woman, who had given up on the idea of painless intercourse, found relief and enjoyment in intimate moments once she started therapy. They are not alone! According to research published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology:
“Approximately 10% of women reported persistent perineal pain more than two months after delivery, which significantly impacted their sexual function and quality of life.”
This finding underscores the importance of addressing postpartum pelvic floor therapy to improve women’s health and well-being following childbirth.
Advocacy and Empowerment
The importance of advocating for comprehensive postpartum care cannot be overstated. Women need to prioritize their health and overcome the stigma or embarrassment associated with seeking pelvic floor care. More OBGYNs are recommending pelvic floor therapy at the 6-week postpartum appointment, but this should become a universal practice. Ideally, a prescription for pelvic floor therapy should be included in every bringing-home-baby basket.
Postpartum pelvic floor care is not just a short-term necessity but a lifelong investment in a woman’s health and well-being. It’s never too late to start prioritizing your pelvic floor health, whether you are newly postpartum or an “actively aging” woman. Let’s shift the cultural narrative and make comprehensive postpartum care, including pelvic floor therapy, the standard for all women.
Ready to take the first step towards better pelvic floor health? Click this link to make your appointment today Ready to reclaim my health!