Breastfeeding and Your Pelvic Floor - Part One
By Dr. Erica Magruder - Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)
Wondering how breastfeeding and your pelvic floor are connected? It’s not as surprising as you might think! Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or combo feeding, if you’re a lactating mama, this topic is for you.
Why These Are Linked
During lactation, many of the physical discomforts you're feeling—aches, pains, and tension—could be tied to hormonal changes and the positions you're holding while feeding. But don’t worry—there are solutions!
1. Posture Matters
You're exhausted! You've just brought a tiny human into the world, and your body hasn’t had a chance to recover or regain strength. Now, on top of everything else, you’re taking care of your baby. Without proper movement, stretching, or education on body mechanics, your body might start sending you some not-so-gentle reminders that it needs care too.
2. Hormonal Changes
Let’s talk about estrogen. When you're breastfeeding, your estrogen levels are lower, which can lead to vaginal dryness, muscle tension, and even pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse.
Then there’s relaxin. This hormone helped loosen your ligaments and soften your cervix during labor. But relaxin doesn’t just disappear after birth. It sticks around in smaller amounts during lactation, causing extra mobility in areas that don’t need it anymore, which can result in discomfort.
How to Feel Better
The good news? You can absolutely take control of the back, hip, pelvic, wrist, or neck pain that might come along with these changes.
Speaking from experience, I’ve been there. I breastfed and pumped with my first baby, and I’m doing it all over again with my second. It’s not easy. I’ve had wrist pain from yoga, back pain from sitting awkwardly while nursing, neck pain from looking down at my baby, and pelvic pressure from baby-wearing. And yes, I’ve experienced pain during postpartum sex. Right now, even as I write this, I can feel my sacroiliac joint (SIJ) threatening to shift out of place if I don’t adjust how I’m sitting.
You’re not alone in feeling these discomforts, but just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re normal.
What Can You Do?
Breathe: Intentional breathing can create mobility in stiff areas and provide support to healing parts of your body.
Build Strength and Flexibility: Strengthen muscles that may have become inactive and stretch those that have been overcompensating.
Improve Movement Patterns: This is a game-changer. Poor posture and body mechanics can prevent your pelvic floor and abdomen from healing properly. Whether you’re lifting your baby, bending down for laundry, or nursing, move in ways that engage your muscles to protect your joints and organs.
If you're experiencing any of these pains or need more guidance on healing and movement, reach out to a pelvic floor therapist. We’re here to help you overcome pain, regain your strength, and feel more like yourself.
Stay tuned for Part Two, where I’ll cover specific exercises and movements you can start doing at home to combat these issues.
Get Professional Help
If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.
Join the Body After Birth Program
Are you ready to take control of your postpartum recovery and tackle the challenges caused by pregnancy and childbirth? The Body After Birth program offers the comprehensive support you need to heal, strengthen, and thrive. Join today and start your journey to feeling your best, both inside and out!
With wellness in your pelvis-
Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)