122. Pelvic Floor Therapy After Baby: Why "Common" Doesn't Mean "Normal" with Melissa Kate, PT

If your body changes after having a baby, there's probably something that can be improved, even if everyone tells you it's "just part of motherhood."

In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Kate, a pelvic floor physical therapist at Weekes Wellness, to break down the difference between symptoms that are common after childbirth and symptoms that are actually normal.

Melissa shares her own surprising journey into pelvic floor PT (involving a very public leak nine years postpartum) and dives deep into the two main types of pelvic floor dysfunction most moms have never heard of: a tight pelvic floor versus a weak one. Spoiler: most people assume weakness is the issue, but tightness is actually far more common.

We cover:

• The real difference between tight and weak pelvic floors, and why Kegels can actually make things worse if you're dealing with tightness
• A free self-screening tool you can use right now to find out if you likely have pelvic floor dysfunction
• Why painful sex postpartum could be linked to muscle tightness, tissue hydration (hello, breastfeeding moms), or both
• What causes postpartum tailbone pain and how it connects to your pelvic floor
• How traumatic or breech births can affect the pelvic floor and supporting tissues
• Why breathing technique is the most underrated tool in pelvic floor recovery
• The surprising connection between your glutes, hips, core, and pelvic floor function
• What to actually expect at your first in-person pelvic floor PT appointment, since most moms have no idea and are too nervous to ask

Whether you're dealing with leaking, pelvic pain, painful sex, constipation, or you just feel like something's "off" since having kids, this episode will help you understand what's going on in your body and why it's worth getting assessed, even if you've been told it's just something you have to live with.

Connect with Melissa and Weekes Wellness: Week Wellness has locations in Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, and California, plus virtual sessions available nationwide. Visit weekswellness.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook @weekswellness

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a mom in your life who needs to hear it. And if you're dealing with any of the symptoms we discussed, please don't wait nine years like Melissa did. Go get assessed.

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