Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Myths and Facts for New Parents

Becoming a new parent changes everything—your routines, your priorities, and most importantly, your body. For many new mothers (and some fathers too), pelvic floor dysfunction becomes an unexpected part of the postpartum journey. But between well-meaning advice, cultural taboos, and social media myths, it can be hard to know what’s normal, what’s treatable, and what deserves immediate attention.

At YourFormSux (YFS), we help new parents across Canada rebuild strength, stability, and pelvic health through evidence-based physiotherapy that looks at the whole body. In this blog, we’re breaking down the most common myths about pelvic floor dysfunction and sharing the facts every new parent should know.

Myth #1: Leaking After Birth Is Normal—Just Get Used to It

Fact: Leaking is common but not normal—and it’s treatable.

Up to one in three new mothers experience urinary incontinence after childbirth. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever. Leaking during coughing, sneezing, or running often signals weakened or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles. The good news? With the right physiotherapy, most women can restore control within months.

Why It Matters: Ignoring symptoms early can lead to long-term bladder issues and pelvic organ support problems later in life.

Myth #2: C-Section Moms Don’t Have to Worry About Pelvic Floor Issues

Fact: Pregnancy itself impacts the pelvic floor—no matter how you delivered.

While vaginal birth can place direct strain on the pelvic floor muscles, a caesarean section does not eliminate pelvic dysfunction risk. Pregnancy increases intra-abdominal pressure, alters pelvic alignment, and stretches core muscles in every expecting mother. C-sections also come with scar tissue and abdominal weakness that indirectly impact pelvic control and posture.

Why It Matters: All postpartum bodies deserve pelvic floor screening, regardless of birth method.

Myth #3: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Only Affects Women

Fact: Fathers and partners can experience pelvic floor symptoms too.

While pelvic floor dysfunction is most commonly discussed in the context of postpartum mothers, some new fathers—especially those with sedentary jobs, high stress, or prior injury—can also experience pelvic pain, urinary urgency, or core weakness. Extended sitting while feeding or soothing the baby, lifting heavy car seats, and stress-related breath-holding all contribute.

Why It Matters: Pelvic health is a shared family priority. New parents benefit from understanding posture, breath, and core engagement—together.

Myth #4: Just Do Kegels to Fix Everything

Fact: Not all pelvic floors need strengthening—some need relaxation.

Kegels are often recommended without assessment, but not everyone benefits from them. If your pelvic floor muscles are overactive, tight, or poorly coordinated, doing more contractions can worsen symptoms like pain, pressure, or leaking. Many new moms develop tension patterns due to stress, shallow breathing, or overcompensating for a weak core.

Why It Matters: An individualized physiotherapy program helps determine whether your body needs strengthening, releasing, or both.

Myth #5: Pain with Sex After Birth Is Normal and Will Just Go Away

Fact: Pain is a sign of dysfunction—and it’s treatable.

Pain during intimacy after childbirth is common, but it should not be accepted as a permanent outcome. Scar tissue, muscle tightness, hormonal shifts, and postural changes all play a role. Physiotherapy can help reduce sensitivity, improve blood flow, and restore tissue mobility.

Why It Matters: Addressing painful symptoms early helps you regain confidence, connection, and control over your body.

The Posture–Pelvic Floor Connection in the Postpartum Period

Caring for a new baby brings new postures—long hours of sitting while nursing, bending over changing tables, and carrying heavy carriers or strollers. These daily habits can strain your spine, misalign your pelvis, and place stress on the pelvic floor.

Key postural factors affecting pelvic health include:

Anterior pelvic tilt: Often caused by weakened abdominals and tight hip flexors

Rounded shoulders and shallow breathing: Limits diaphragm and pelvic floor coordination

Holding breath during lifting or straining: Increases pressure on healing tissues

Physiotherapy focuses on retraining your posture, breathing, and movement patterns to support pelvic recovery.

How YFS Helps New Parents Restore Pelvic Health

At YourFormSux, we recognize that every parent’s postpartum experience is different. Our approach includes:

Full-body postural and movement assessments

Pelvic floor muscle evaluation (internal and external, when appropriate)

Core activation training and breathwork

Scar tissue mobilization for C-section or episiotomy recovery

Practical education on baby-carrying posture, feeding positions, and lifting mechanics

Whether you’re dealing with leaking, pain, heaviness, or instability, our goal is to help you reconnect with your body safely and confidently.

What You Can Do Now as a New Parent

If you’re navigating postpartum changes and wondering if your symptoms are normal, here are some steps to take:

Seek a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment—even if you feel “fine.”

Pay attention to posture during feeding, diapering, and lifting.

Breathe fully and deeply—avoid breath-holding when lifting your baby.

Move daily, even gently. Avoid prolonged stillness or slouching.

Listen to your body. Pain, pressure, or leaking are signs—not nuisances.

Final Word: You Deserve Support—Not Stigma

Pelvic floor dysfunction is not something to hide, tolerate, or push through. It’s a physiological issue that responds incredibly well to early, informed treatment. Whether you’re a mom healing after childbirth, a dad managing discomfort, or a partner trying to support recovery, know this: pelvic health matters.