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5 Reasons to Make a Pelvic Floor PT Appointment After Baby

You did something incredible—brought life into the world. And while your focus may now be on caring for your baby, it’s just as important to care for your body in the postpartum period. One of the best steps you can take? Booking an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist (PT).

At FIT4MOM North Atlanta, we believe every mom deserves access to real postpartum recovery—not just “getting cleared at six weeks.” 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. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Is Common—But Not Normal

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), nearly 1 in 4 women in the U.S. experience pelvic floor disorders. These can include urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Many symptoms are treatable—and even preventable—with the right care, but often go ignored or dismissed as “just part of being a mom" (leaking when you sneeze anyone?). A pelvic floor PT can assess your specific function and create a plan for healing.

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.

2. Your Delivery Method Doesn’t Exempt You

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your pelvic floor and core went through months of change and pressure. Vaginal birth can lead to stretching, tearing, or nerve trauma; C-sections often come with scar tissue and abdominal weakness. A pelvic floor PT can help restore strength, mobility, and function regardless of how your baby arrived.

3. It Supports Core Recovery & Diastasis Recti

As your belly grows in pregnancy, the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles stretches—and sometimes doesn’t fully come back together postpartum, a condition called diastasis recti. Pelvic floor PTs are trained to assess and treat this condition through breathing techniques, posture correction, and progressive core exercises that rebuild strength safely and effectively.

4. It Can Prevent Long-Term Issues

Ignoring postpartum symptoms may lead to chronic pain, organ prolapse, or worsening incontinence later in life. Early intervention is key. In fact, research shows that early postpartum physical therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing surgical treatment for pelvic floor disorders down the road. Just like you’d rehab after a knee injury, your pelvic floor deserves the same attention.

5. It Sets You Up for a Safe Return to Fitness

We love helping moms get back to movement through our fitness programs, and with fitness professionals certified in prenatal and postnatal fitness, our instructors are able to provide you with the support you need to be successful in your postpartum fitness journey. But jumping back into fitness without a solid foundation can increase your risk of injury or setbacks. A pelvic floor PT can assess your readiness, guide your re-entry to exercise, and help you move with strength and confidence—without leaking, pain, or fear.

Bonus: It’s Covered More Often Than You Think

Many moms are surprised to find that pelvic floor PT is covered by insurance or available with flexible payment options. If you’re still on maternity leave or easing back into routine, this is a great time to prioritize your healing.

You Carried a Baby—Now It’s Time to Carry Yourself Forward

Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t a luxury. It’s healthcare. And it’s one of the most important ways you can care for your body after birth. Whether you’re six weeks postpartum or six years, it’s never too late (or too early!) to start.

Looking for trusted pelvic floor physical therapists in the metro Atlanta area? Drop us an email at rebekahmurphy@fit4mom.com for a list of resources—we’re happy to connect you.