Breastfeeding and the Pelvic Floor: What Every New Mom Should Know
As a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health and postpartum recovery, I see so many new moms who are surprised to learn that breastfeeding — while a natural and beautiful part of the postpartum journey — can influence their healing in ways they might not expect.
In this post, I want to shed light on the lesser-known connection between breastfeeding, your hormones, and your pelvic floor, so you can make empowered choices for your recovery.
How Breastfeeding Affects Your Hormones
When you’re breastfeeding, your body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which supports milk production. At the same time, levels of estrogen remain lower, especially during exclusive breastfeeding.
This drop in estrogen is normal, but it can have some side effects that matter for your pelvic floor:
Vaginal dryness: Lower estrogen levels can lead to thinning and dryness of vaginal tissues, which may make sex uncomfortable or painful.
Pelvic tissue healing: Estrogen helps keep tissues plump and elastic. With less estrogen, the tissues of your pelvic floor — especially if you had tearing or stitches — may heal more slowly or feel more fragile.
Urinary incontinence: Weaker tissue support can contribute to leaks, especially during sneezes, laughs, or exercise.
Breastfeeding and Your Posture
Feeding a baby, whether breast or bottle, often means long hours hunched forward or cradling your baby in awkward positions. Over time, this can lead to:
Increased tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Weakening or underuse of your deep core muscles.
Extra downward pressure on the pelvic floor.
Combined, these factors can make your recovery feel slower than expected — but they are very common and treatable!
How to Support Your Pelvic Floor While Breastfeeding
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between feeding your baby and taking care of your body. Small, intentional actions can make a big difference.
✅ Focus on good feeding posture: Use pillows to bring baby up to you, instead of rounding your back to reach baby. A supportive chair or feeding pillow can help.
✅ Hydrate well: Breastfeeding increases your fluid needs — staying hydrated helps your tissues heal and keeps your pelvic floor muscles working optimally.
✅ Try gentle pelvic floor exercises: Kegels can help, but they’re not the only option. Learning to relax and engage your pelvic floor properly — along with deep core and breath work — supports healing.
✅ Use lubrication: If sex feels uncomfortable due to dryness, don’t hesitate to use a good water-based lubricant and talk to your provider if pain persists.
✅ Consider vaginal estrogen: In some cases, a low-dose vaginal estrogen may be appropriate and safe while breastfeeding — always discuss with your physician.
✅ See a pelvic floor therapist: Every postpartum body is unique. A pelvic health PT can assess your muscles, scar tissue, posture, and help you design a recovery plan that works for you — including while breastfeeding.
A Final Word
Breastfeeding is just one part of your postpartum experience. Your healing deserves care, attention, and support, just like your baby does.
If you’re experiencing leaking, pain, heaviness, or just don’t feel quite like yourself “down there,” please know you’re not alone — and help is available.
Your pelvic floor is resilient and so are you.
If you’d like personalized guidance for your postpartum recovery, reach out — I’d love to help you feel strong, comfortable, and confident in your body again.