Anna anticipated the sleepless nights, diaper changes, and even the emotional rollercoaster. But what she didn’t see coming was the little urine leaks every time she sneezed, laughed, or picked up her baby.
She figured it was normal and told herself, “It’s just part of being a mom.” But deep down, it still bothered her.
The good news is that kind of bladder leakage, called postpartum incontinence, is common, but not something you have to live with forever. And with pelvic floor physiotherapy, recovery is possible.
What Is Postpartum Incontinence?
Postpartum incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine after giving birth. It can happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, or walk briskly. This is known as stress urinary incontinence.
It’s caused by weakened or overstretched pelvic floor muscles (muscles responsible for supporting your bladder, uterus, and rectum). During pregnancy and delivery, especially vaginal birth, those muscles and nerves go through a lot of strain.
Some women also experience urge incontinence, where they face a sudden, intense need to pee that’s hard to control, or even a mix of both. The Mayo Clinic found that kegel exercises have been shown to reduce urinary and anal incontinence after childbirth
This is a real physical issue, not about trying harder or holding it. And it can be treated.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps
Pelvic floor physio isn’t just about doing kegels. It’s a personalized, evidence-based approach to restoring strength, coordination, and control in the muscles most affected by childbirth.
Here’s what the process typically involves:
1. Assessment of Muscle Function
Your physio will begin by assessing your pelvic floor. This could involve internal or external checks, depending on your comfort and stage of recovery.
They’ll test:
- Your muscle strength
- Your endurance and ability to hold contractions
- Coordination
- Whether your muscles are too tight or unable to relax properly (overactive pelvic floors can also cause leaking)
You’ll get a full picture of what’s happening beneath the surface.
2. Targeted Exercise Program
Not all pelvic floors are the same. Some are weak and need strengthening, while others are tight and need relaxation training.
Your physio might teach you:
- Doing Kegels correctly (most people do it wrongly)
- Core coordination exercises using breathwork
- Functional movements like squats or lifts that integrate the pelvic floor
- Bladder retraining, especially if urgency is an issue
Your physio will guide you through everything step by step and adjust the plan at your pace.
3. Education and Daily Life Strategies
Apart from exercises, physio is about understanding how your everyday habits affect your recovery.
You’ll learn:
- How to lift and carry your baby without putting pressure on your pelvic floor
- How to sit, stand, and sleep in positions that support your healing
- Which exercises are safe postpartum, and which should be skipped for now
You’ll also talk about fluid habits, like when to drink water, what to avoid (like too much caffeine), and ways to keep your bladder happy and healthy.
4. Progressive Strength and Return to Exercise
Many new moms want to return to running, dancing, or playing on the floor with their toddler.
Your physio will help you build up to that safely, without leaks or discomfort. You’ll track your progress together and know when your body’s ready for more.
When Should You Start?
You can start pelvic floor therapy as early as 6 weeks postpartum, once cleared by your doctor. But it’s never too late to begin. Whether you had your baby 6 months or 6 years ago, help is still available if leaking is a concern.
Will It Go Away on Its Own?
Sometimes, mild leaking symptoms improve over time. But many women continue to struggle silently for months or years, not because they can’t be treated, but just because no one told them they could get help.
Here’s the thing: pee leaks are common, but they are not normal.
You wouldn’t ignore a sore knee or stiff back forever. Don’t ignore your pelvic floor.
We often tell new moms that pelvic floor physio isn’t just about stopping leaks, it’s way more than that. It’s about getting back your strength and confidence in your body,” says Parmeet a physiotherapist who does pelvic floor physiotherapy in Calgary.
Final Thoughts
Anna finally booked an appointment after another leak while walking with her baby. Within a few weeks of focused physio, she noticed changes: fewer leaks, more control, and a sense of empowerment.
Motherhood changes so much, including your body, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose control of it.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy gives you the tools, support, and strategy to reclaim your strength.
You deserve to laugh, sneeze, or laugh without fear.