4 Reasons to Make Pelvic Floor PT Appointment During your Leave

4 Reasons to Make Pelvic Floor PT Appointment During your Leave

April 22, 2025 Fatima Maxwell PT, DPT

Whether you’re in the midst of newborn snuggles or just adjusting to the wild newness of motherhood, you are crushing it. With so much focus on the needs of your baby and family, it’s easy to put your own recovery on the back burner—but here’s the thing: you deserve just as much care and attention. That’s where pelvic health physical therapy comes in.

The early postpartum period typically involves A LOT of medical appointments for baby, but visiting a pelvic health PT early postpartum (ideally within the first 6-8 weeks) can make a world of difference in YOUR recovery and long-term well-being. Let’s dive into why this often-overlooked form of health care is so important.

1. Early Intervention = Better Recovery Without Delays

Pregnancy and childbirth (whether vaginal or cesarean) place a huge demand on your body. Your pelvic floor muscles, core, and connective tissues have been stretched, strained, and stressed. An early postpartum visit with a pelvic health PT can:

Identify and address muscle imbalances or tightness before they become chronic issues.
Improve healing from tearing, episiotomies, or c-section scars through gentle mobilization techniques.
Help you reconnect with your core and pelvic floor safely and effectively.

The earlier you start, the better your chances of preventing long-term complications like pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, or lingering pain.

2. Help with Common (But Not Normal) Postpartum Symptoms

Many moms assume that postpartum issues like leaking when you sneeze, lingering pelvic pain, or painful intimacy are just part of the “new normal.” Spoiler alert: they’re not! These symptoms are common but treatable with pelvic health PT.

A therapist can help you with:

Urinary or fecal incontinence: Strengthen and retrain your pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic pain or heaviness: Improve circulation, mobility, and reduce discomfort.

Diastasis recti: Heal the separation of your abdominal muscles through guided exercises.

C-section scar healing: Gentle techniques can reduce adhesions and improve mobility.

3. Boost Your Confidence in Movement

Whether you’re eager to get back to yoga, running, or simply want to lift your baby without back pain, working with a pelvic health PT gives you the confidence to move safely. You’ll learn:

How to properly engage your core and pelvic floor during daily activities.
When (and how) to safely return to exercise without risking injury.
Strategies for handling repetitive movements like baby carrying and feeding without straining your back or pelvic floor.

We get it—life with a newborn is hectic. But taking the time for your recovery is one of the best gifts you can give both yourself and your family. When you feel stronger, more comfortable, and more confident in your body, you’ll be able to show up more fully for your little one.

4. You Deserve Long-Term Wellness

Many moms don’t realize that untreated pelvic floor issues can linger for years. By seeing a pelvic health PT early, you’re investing in your long-term well-being. You’ll be better equipped to prevent future issues like prolapse, chronic pain, or incontinence as you age.

The Bottom Line

You’ve already done something extraordinary—brought a life into the world. Now it’s time to take care of yourself. Seeing a pelvic health physical therapist early postpartum can help you to avoid delays in your recovery, resolve issues that may impact your quality of life, and help you to feel more confident in your healing journey.

And yes, at District Performance Physio, we absolutely welcome you to bring your new baby to your appointments. We strive to make our environment comfortable, clean, and safe for both you and your little one. Many mothers even bring their strollers along, which can be a convenient spot for the baby to nap during the session. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any specific questions or needs!

You’re worth it—and your body deserves this important medical care.

Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, ask your OB-GYN or midwife for a referral to a pelvic health PT. You’ve got this, Mama!

Fatima Maxwell PT, DPT

Fatima Maxwell loves to promote holistic health through genuine connections with everyone she works with. She is an orthopedic physical therapist with a subspecialty of pelvic health and passion to work with prenatal and postpartum mothers. Her ultimate goal is to help people reach their goals and empower them along the way. Her background in collegiate and semi professional soccer instilled in me a passion for sports and fitness. Outside of work, she is new to DC so loves exploring her new city, community workouts, playing soccer, and cheering on U of L sports.

Make an appointment with Fatima at District Performance Physio's downtown office.