Embracing Personalized Care: My Journey with Pelvic Floor Therapy and Why Every Mother Should Consider It

As a mother who journeyed through IVF and a cesarean birth, I learned firsthand that the postpartum period requires more attention than commonly assumed, especially given the absence of routine pelvic floor physical therapy in US postpartum care. Today, I’m here to share my journey which underscores the importance of seeking help, even when we think everything is fine.

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Matters

But first, the holy pelvic floor. Truly the cradle of creation, and a springboard for all the reproductive magic it enables. Our pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, bowels, and abdominal muscles, and are also intricately tied to the core. Fertility treatments, pregnancy, birth, and straining from constipation often cause disfunction, which can manifest in a slew of pesky ways. From diastasis recti to pelvic floor discomfort, a skilled pelvic floor physical therapist can address a wide range of issues, including:

Urinary urgency AND incontinence
Bowel dysfunction
Hemorrhoids
Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles, from pregnancy and cesarean birth)
Pelvic floor weakness AND pelvic floor tightness
Pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Postural issues

By targeting these issues and more, pelvic floor therapy promotes not only physical healing but also emotional wellbeing, empowering women, mothers, and birthing people to reclaim control over their bodies and their lives. Most health plans offer some level of pelvic floor physiotherapy, making it an accessible yet underutilized resource for postpartum, and by raising awareness, we can ensure that all parents have the support they need to navigate the postpartum journey with confidence and resilience.

My Personal Journey

In the haze of early motherhood, I followed the standard postpartum care recommendations, assuming everything was fine. Like many new mothers, especially cesarean birth parents who are not routinely advised toward pelvic floor therapy, I didn’t initially seek out this form of care. “If you want to” was the response from my midwife when I had asked if I should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist postpartum. However, as time passed, I began to notice lingering discomforts and challenges that were overlooked during my initial postpartum check-ups. It wasn’t until almost three years later that I decided to seek help again. As they say, the days are long, but the years are short.

This time, I was determined to find someone who could take a holistic approach to my care—to see me as more than just a checklist of symptoms. That’s when I found a pelvic floor therapist who truly listened and understood the complexities of my postpartum experience. With her guidance, we addressed issues that had previously gone unnoticed, from diastasis recti (which limited the efficiency of my workouts), urinary urgency (nagging mental triggers to go, my toddler may have some notes on this) to pelvic floor “zings” with exercise (lighting crotch, don’t you dare come back). Turns out, recurring pain is NOT the price to pay for motherhood. Through personalized exercises and holistic recommendations, I now have a path to improving both my physical and emotional wellbeing, reaffirming the value of seeking help and advocating for our own postpartum care. See my East Bay and Lamorinda pelvic floor therapist recommendation below!

So … What Exactly Happens at a Pelvic Floor Appointment?

I had this question myself, and so for the equally anxious, a 101:

First, a thorough verbal evaluation. A great pelvic floor therapist will consider your medical history, fertility and childbirth experience, nutrition, sleep, and current symptoms. This is not the time to be shy, as these practitioners are no strangers to chatting about poop and pee (much like my toddler) and it’s in your best interest to give them as much information as possible to devleop a holistic view of your pelvic health.

Next, hands-on evaluation and therapy will be conducted to gauge the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles, your posture and skeletal health, cesarean scar healing, and more. Your therapist may use various techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, and targeted exercises to address any weaknesses or dysfunctions. This can include a focus on external muscles, internal vaginal and bowel therapy, as well as breathing and pelvic exercises done at home (squats, happy baby and child’s pose are on my list).

The visit and therapies employed will be tailored to your your specific condition, with the intention of improving your pelvic floor function, alleviating symptoms and ultimately reclaim your wellbeing. You’ll likely go home with a list of exercises, recommendations, and if necessary, a follow up appointment in a few weeks. The key to a successful visit lies in two key factors: 1. finding a knowledgeable practitioner you trust, and 2. your own willingness to follow the recommended treatment plan (isn’t this always annoyingly the case? ;))

Why Every Mother Should Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy

Motherhood is a deeply personal journey, marked by moments of joy and challenges, but with the right support, we can navigate it with grace and strength. Pelvic floor therapy isn’t merely a luxury; it’s an essential aspect of postpartum care that every woman, mother, and birthing person should have access to. By opening up about my experiences and championing for increased awareness, I hope to together pave the way for pelvic floor therapy to become a standard part of postpartum care, empowering us to reclaim control over our bodies, prioritize our health, and find joy in our journey through motherhood.

Cosmic Motherhood’s Essentials for Pelvic Floor Recovery Postpartum and Beyond

Squatty Potty (Amazon) – Recommended for positioning hips at an optimal angle, to allow your pelvic floor to relax and greatly aiding bowel elimination. Also doubles as a nifty toddler step stool!
Fridababy Upside Down Peri Bottle (Amazon) – Typically recommended for postpartum recovery, but equally useful in the years beyond as a handheld bidet.
Toilet Wet Wipes (Amazon) – Any brand will do, but the trick is to use these when you do 😉, replacing abrasive toilet paper wiping. I always look for the most sustainable options around my home, but second to a bidet, wet wipes are far superior for comfort than dry wiping.
Foam Roller (Amazon) – Great for rolling out tight and overworked muscles (hello, lifting toddlers!), or as a baton for toddler Ironman.
Magnesium Citrate Powder (Amazon) – Enhances water absorption in your intestines, in turn softening stool and facilitating bowel movements. Check with your physician on which magnesium supplement might be right for you, if needed.

Please discuss all supplements, treatments and activity with your physician first.

Lamorinda + East Bay Pelvic Health Resources

Dr. Romy Harvard, Peregrine PT – Nestled in the Orinda Atma Yoga Club House (99 Brookwood Road, Orinda), Dr. Harvard provides concierge orthopedic, pelvic, and wellness services. She is a truly holistic provider, and will help you connect the dots between sleep, nutrition, posture, pelvic healing and resulting emotional wellbeing. I couldn’t recommend her more!
BAYO VISTA PHYSIOTHERAPY – Highly recommended Oakland pelvic floor therapy team (419 30th Street, Oakland). While I have not used their services myself, many folks in my network have seen them and raved about the staff and services.

I am not a doctor and I do not provide mental health or medical services. The purpose of this page is solely for education and community support purposes. This information is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, or advice. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Thank you for your support.