Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it also brings major changes to your body – especially your pelvic floor. The postpartum period demands special attention to recovery and health. Whether you had a vaginal or caesarean birth, your pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues undergo enormous stress during pregnancy and delivery. That’s where pelvic floor physiotherapy comes in.
Postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy is designed to help your body recover, restore strength, and prevent long-term issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or prolapse. Here’s what you can expect when you book an appointment and begin your recovery journey.
A Detailed Assessment
If this is your first time seeing us, it will begin with a comprehensive assessment. Your physiotherapist will take time to understand your pregnancy, delivery, and any symptoms you’re experiencing—such as pain, heaviness, leaking urine, or difficulty returning to exercise.
If you have seen us before (and during your pregnancy) we will do our best to keep an eye out for you and will reach out to you 2-4 weeks past your estimated due date.
This will include:
- A thorough discussion of your medical history, delivery details, and current concerns.
- Postural and movement assessment, looking at how you stand, walk, and use your core muscles.
- Abdominal check, including screening for diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
- Pelvic floor evaluation, which may include an internal exam (with your consent). This helps your physio assess the strength, tone, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.
If you’re uncomfortable with an internal exam, that’s okay – your physio can adapt your assessment using external observation and movement tests. The goal is always to make you feel safe, informed, and supported.
Education and Empowerment
A big part of postpartum physio is education. Your physiotherapist will explain how your pelvic floor works, how it’s been affected by pregnancy and birth, and what you can do to support healing.
You’ll learn about:
- How to identify and properly activate your pelvic floor muscles
- Strategies for bladder and bowel health
- Posture and body mechanics for feeding, lifting, and carrying your baby
- The importance of breathing patterns and core engagement
Understanding what’s happening in your body helps you feel more confident and in control of your recovery.
A Personalised Exercise Plan
Your physio will create a tailored exercise program designed for your stage of recovery. This often includes:
- Gentle pelvic floor activations to reconnect with the muscles
- Core and deep abdominal exercises to rebuild strength and stability
- Mobility and posture work to reduce tension and discomfort
- Gradual progression toward higher-impact activities, such as running or lifting
The goal isn’t just to “do Kegels,” but to retrain your entire system to move and function efficiently again. Over time, you’ll build strength, coordination, and confidence in your body.
Addressing Common Postpartum Concerns
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with a wide range of postpartum issues, including:
- Urinary or fecal leakage
- Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
- Pain with intercourse
- Low back, hip, or pelvic pain
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Return to exercise or sport safely
Your physio will address these concerns step by step, ensuring you recover safely and sustainably.
Emotional and Physical Support
Recovery after childbirth isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Many new parents feel uncertain or frustrated when their bodies don’t “bounce back” right away. A good pelvic floor physiotherapist understands this and offers reassurance, guidance, and realistic expectations for healing.
Most people benefit from starting postpartum physio around six weeks after birth, though you can begin earlier if cleared by your healthcare provider, especially for education and gentle breathing or movement work.
The Takeaway
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to support your recovery after childbirth. It helps you heal, regain strength, and feel confident in your body again. Every postpartum journey is unique – but with the right support, you can move, lift, and live comfortably through motherhood and beyond.
Your body deserves the same care and attention you give your baby.