The Connection Between Breastfeeding and Your Pelvic Floor
Breastfeeding is a beautiful, nourishing journey for both parent and baby—but did you know it can also impact your pelvic floor?
After childbirth, many people experience pelvic floor changes such as urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or core weakness. While breastfeeding offers many health benefits, it can temporarily influence your body’s ability to recover postpartum, especially when it comes to pelvic floor function.
Here’s how:
1. Hormones Play a Big Role
During breastfeeding, your body produces higher levels of prolactin and lower levels of estrogen. Estrogen helps maintain tissue elasticity, hydration, and muscle tone. Lower estrogen can contribute to:
Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Decreased pelvic tissue strength
A longer healing process after delivery
2. Impact on Muscle Recovery
The drop in estrogen may make pelvic floor muscles feel weaker or more fatigued, especially if there was tearing, an episiotomy, or a C-section. While this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t breastfeed, it does mean your pelvic floor might need a little extra attention.
3. Posture and Core Strain
Feeding positions (especially during those long, sleepy newborn nights!) often put strain on your neck, back, and abdominal muscles, which can lead to poor posture and increased pelvic pressure. Over time, this can impact your pelvic floor health too.
4. It’s Not All Bad News!
Breastfeeding doesn’t cause pelvic floor dysfunction—but it may slow down the healing process for some people. The good news? Pelvic floor physical therapy can support your body during this time with:
Gentle rehab exercises
Postural education
Core and breath coordination
Personalized care based on your delivery and feeding choices
You Deserve Support
Whether you're exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, or doing a combination, it's important to check in with your pelvic floor. You don’t need to wait until something feels "wrong"—early support leads to better recovery and confidence in your body.
Curious how your pelvic floor is doing postpartum?
We’re here to help! Book a pelvic floor evaluation and let’s work together to restore balance, strength, and comfort—while supporting your feeding journey.