The Missing Check-In
The Postpartum Check-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed
We hear a lot about how our bodies change during pregnancy, the growing belly, shifting posture, swelling, fatigue, general muscle aches and pain. But what’s often missing from the conversation is what happens after birth. Once the baby arrives, the focus tends to shift completely toward caring for this new little person, and our own recovery can easily take a back seat.
But your postpartum body is still doing a lot of work. It’s finding its new equilibrium while under the daily load of motherhood, feeding schedules, sleep deprivation, and everything in between. This season is a time of healing and adjustment, and it deserves attention, too.
The Missing Check-In
Early in my physical therapy career, I specialized in pelvic pain. I noticed something surprising, most of the women I treated were in their 40s or 50s. And when I asked about their histories, a common story started to emerge: Their symptoms began soon after childbirth, but they never really resolved.
Like so many mothers, they powered through. They took care of everyone else first, until their bodies started screaming for attention. What could have been addressed with a few therapy sessions, education, and preventive care, had now evolved into chronic pain or dysfunction.
This is why I’m such a strong advocate for postpartum pelvic floor check-ins. A simple screen, done early, can make a massive difference, not just in how you feel physically, but in how you move through motherhood.
More Than Just “Do Your Kegels”
When it comes to pelvic health, one of the most common things I hear is: “I just need to do more Kegels so I don’t pee myself, right?”
And while Kegels, isolated pelvic floor contractions, can be helpful for some, they’re not the whole story. In fact, for others, doing endless Kegels can actually make things worse.
Think of it this way: if someone had trouble chewing because of jaw pain, we wouldn’t tell them to clench their jaw repeatedly to fix it. We’d look at how their jaw, neck, and overall system work together. Pelvic health is no different.
The Bigger Picture of Pelvic Health
Your pelvic floor is part of a larger, beautifully interconnected system. It’s not just muscles, it’s connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels, and fascia. It also works closely with your hips, low back, and abdominal muscles. Add in the influence of hormones, stress, and even gut health, and it’s clear: this is a complex network, not an isolated part.
During pregnancy, delivery, and early postpartum recovery, this system is under significant strain. Sometimes, one these structures or systems above is having difficulty functioning as it previously did, maybe that’s due to tearing, scar tissue, muscle imbalances, or a birth injury. The good news? Your body is resilient and capable of healing, especially when given the right support.
What a Pelvic Floor PT Actually Does
A pelvic floor physical therapist does much more than teach Kegels. We assess how your entire core system, from your abdomen to your hips to make sure it is working together.
We look at things like:
Core and abdominal healing (including checking for diastasis recti)
Pelvic organ prolapse
Scar tissue from birth or surgery
Pain with movement, intimacy, or daily tasks
Urine or bowel leakage (or retention)
Heaviness, pressure, or discomfort in the pelvis
And the best part? All of these things can be treated. Your plan should be personalized plan of care and centered on your goals and your body’s specific needs.
You Deserve Support
Your body went through something extraordinary. You carried, birthed, and are now sustaining new life, that’s no small thing. You deserve to feel supported in your recovery, not left to “figure it out.”
Even if you’re feeling good, an early postpartum screen can help identify small issues before they become bigger ones. Think of it like a wellness visit, a proactive check-in for your pelvic health.
Because when we take care of women and mothers, we’re supporting the health of entire families.
References
Allea Francis
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Hello! I’m Dr. Allea Francis, a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation and integrative wellness. I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome pelvic pain, restore function, and feel empowered in their bodies through personalized, evidence-based care. My clinical approach is rooted in a deep understanding of complex pain conditions and the interconnectedness of the body. I integrate evidence-based strategies and patient education to promote long-term recovery and functional outcomes. In addition to my clinical work, I have contributed to the field of physical therapy through teaching and mentorship. I have served as faculty at Chapman University’s Department of Physical Therapy and as a teaching assistant with the Pelvic Education Alliance, where I further developed my expertise in pelvic health and chronic pain. I am passionate about creating a supportive, collaborative space where patients feel heard, understood, and confident in their healing journey.
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