Common But Not Normal: A Guide to Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery in Sheffield
- Andrew Cunliffe
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
Still leaking when you laugh, or feeling a persistent sense of heaviness "down there" after having your baby? You are certainly not alone, but there is a vital truth you need to hear: while these issues are incredibly common, they are absolutely not normal.
In the UK, 1 in 3 women experience bladder leakage after giving birth, yet a staggering number suffer in silence, believing it is simply the "price of motherhood" or feeling too embarrassed to seek professional help. Whether you are six weeks or six years postnatal, you shouldn’t have to "just accept it." At Flex Pilates and Physiotherapy in Sheffield, our specialised Women’s Health service is dedicated to helping you move past the embarrassment and into a recovery that actually works.
Let’s talk openly about pelvic floor dysfunction, when you should see a Women's Health Physiotherapist, and what actually helps (spoiler: it’s not just "doing your Kegels").
What's Actually "Normal" After Having a Baby?
First, let's establish realistic expectations about postnatal recovery.
The First 6 Weeks
In the immediate postnatal period (0-6 weeks), your body is healing from a major event. Whether you had a vaginal birth or caesarean section. During this time, it's normal to experience:
Lochia (bleeding) for up to 6 weeks
Pelvic discomfort or soreness
Fatigue and exhaustion
Mild incontinence when your bladder is very full
Temporary weakness in your abdominal muscles
If you had a C-section: pain and numbness around the scar
This is the healing phase. Your body needs rest (sleep when your baby sleeps, isn’t just a saying!), gentle movement (walking is perfect), and time to recover.
6 Weeks to 6 Months
By your 6-week GP check, you should be seeing significant improvement. As you progress through the first 6 months, you should notice:
Bleeding has completely stopped
Pelvic discomfort is resolving
You're gradually regaining strength and energy
Any stress incontinence is improving
You can return to normal daily activities comfortably
This is the recovery phase. You're rebuilding strength and function, ideally with guidance from a Women's Health Physiotherapist. This is the perfect time to seek out our Physio led Postnatal Pilates classes in Sheffield.
6+ Months Postnatal
By 6 months postpartum, your body should be functioning well. While you might not feel "back to normal" (hello, sleep deprivation!), you shouldn't be experiencing ongoing pelvic floor dysfunction.
If you're still having symptoms at 6+ months, or at ANY point if symptoms are bothering you….it's time to see a specialist.
Red Flags: When to See a Women’s Health Physiotherapist
If you are experiencing any of the following, please stop waiting for it to "go away" on its own. These are clear signs that your pelvic floor needs specialised support.
Bladder Problems
Stress incontinence – Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift, or exercise
Urgency – Sudden, overwhelming need to urinate that's difficult to control
Frequency – Needing to go to the toilet more than 8 times per day
Nocturia – Waking more than once per night to urinate (after baby is sleeping through)
Incomplete emptying – Feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bladder
The "just a little leak" myth: Many women dismiss stress incontinence as "only a few drops" or "just when I jump." But ANY leakage is a sign your pelvic floor needs help. It won't "just get better with time" – in fact, it often gets worse without treatment.
Prolapse Symptoms
Heaviness or dragging sensation in your vagina or pelvis
Bulging – Feeling or seeing something protruding from your vagina
Discomfort that worsens as the day progresses or when standing/walking
Difficulty with tampons or the feeling that they're being pushed out
What is prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues become weakened, allowing pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or bowel) to descend. It sounds frightening, but with the right physiotherapy, symptoms can significantly improve.
Bowel Issues
Faecal incontinence – Inability to control wind or bowel movements
Constipation – Difficulty emptying your bowels or needing to strain
Incomplete evacuation – Feeling like you haven't fully emptied
Sexual Function
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) – anywhere from mild discomfort to severe pain
Reduced sensation – Feeling "different" or less sensation than before
Difficulty achieving orgasm – or inability to orgasm when you could before
Anxiety or avoidance of intimacy due to physical discomfort or fear
You deserve a fulfilling intimate life. Pain during sex is NOT something you have to accept. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help restore comfortable, pleasurable intimacy.
Abdominal Issues
Diastasis recti – Visible abdominal doming or bulging when you engage your core
Persistent "mummy tummy" – Abdominal separation that hasn't closed
Lower back pain – Ongoing back pain since giving birth
Poor core control – Difficulty engaging your deep core muscles
Scar-Related Problems
C-section scar pain – Pain, pulling, or numbness around your scar
Scar sensitivity – Your scar feeling tight, itchy, or uncomfortable
Reduced mobility – Difficulty with certain movements due to scar tissue
Perineal scar issues – Pain or sensitivity from tearing or episiotomy scars
Is it Too Late for Pelvic Floor Recovery? (Spoiler: No!)
Absolutely not.
Whether you are 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years postpartum, it is never too late. We regularly help women in Sheffield who have suffered for a decade and are amazed at the progress they make once they begin a targeted rehabilitation programme.
Common situations:
"My baby is 5 years old now – I thought I'd just have to live with it"
"I had my last child 10 years ago – can you still help?"
"I'm approaching menopause and symptoms are getting worse"
The answer is always YES – pelvic floor physiotherapy can help at any stage.
Why Your 6-Week GP Check Isn't Enough
If you've had your 6-week postnatal check with your GP, you might think you've received a comprehensive assessment of your postnatal recovery. Unfortunately, this isn't the case.
What Your GP Check Covers
Your standard 6-week GP appointment typically includes:
Brief discussion of your birth experience
Check on your mental health (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)
Discussion about contraception
Perhaps a brief abdominal palpation if you had a C-section
Blood pressure check if relevant
What it DOESN'T include:
❌ Internal pelvic floor examination
❌ Assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength or function
❌ Evaluation of diastasis recti
❌ Detailed assessment of any scar tissue
❌ Functional movement assessment
❌ Exercise readiness screening
What a Women's Health Physiotherapy Assessment Includes
At Flex in Sheffield, Beki's specialist postnatal assessment is comprehensive, thorough, and focused entirely on your physical recovery:
1. Detailed Discussion (20-25 minutes)
We take time to understand:
Your pregnancy and birth experience
Any complications or interventions
Your current symptoms and concerns
How issues are affecting your daily life
Your goals for recovery
Your exercise history and intentions
This is YOUR time. We listen without judgment and with complete confidentiality.
2. Physical Assessment (25-30 minutes)
Depending on your consent and comfort:
External assessment:
Posture and alignment
Movement patterns
Abdominal examination for diastasis recti
Breathing assessment
Core control tests
C-section or perineal scar assessment
Internal assessment (with your full consent):
Pelvic floor muscle strength
Coordination and control
Identification of any weakness or overactivity
Assessment for prolapse
Scar tissue mobility
We ALWAYS respect your boundaries. Nothing happens without your understanding and permission. If you're not comfortable with internal examination, we can assess externally and work with you to build confidence.
3. Clear Diagnosis and Education (10-15 minutes)
You'll leave understanding:
What's happening in your body
Why your symptoms are occurring
What can be done to help
Realistic recovery timeline
How to manage symptoms
4. Personalised Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan may include:
Specific pelvic floor exercises (NOT just "do kegels"!)
Core strengthening progression
Breathing retraining
Manual therapy for scar tissue
Advice on returning to exercise safely
Home exercise program
Timeline for follow-up
Total appointment time: 60 minutes
Compare this to your 10-minute GP check, and you'll understand why specialist assessment is so important.
The "Just Do Kegels" Myth
"Have you tried doing pelvic floor exercises?"
If you have pelvic floor problems, you've probably heard this a hundred times. And maybe you have tried kegels. Maybe they didn't help. Maybe you're not even sure you're doing them correctly.
Here's why "just do kegels" often doesn't work:
1. You Might Be Doing Them Wrong
Research shows that up to 50% of women perform pelvic floor exercises incorrectly when given only verbal or written instructions. Common mistakes include:
Bearing down instead of lifting up
Using the wrong muscles (glutes, inner thighs, or abs instead of pelvic floor)
Holding your breath
Over-gripping or over-squeezing
This is why internal assessment matters – it's the only way to know for certain if you're contracting the right muscles correctly.
2. You Might Have an Overactive Pelvic Floor
Not all pelvic floor problems are caused by weakness. Sometimes the pelvic floor is:
Too tight
Overactive
Unable to relax properly
In spasm
In these cases, doing MORE kegels makes symptoms WORSE. You need to learn to relax and lengthen the pelvic floor, not strengthen it further.
This requires assessment. You can't know if you need to strengthen or relax without proper evaluation.
3. Kegels Alone Don't Address the Whole Picture
Pelvic floor problems are rarely isolated. They're often connected to:
Breathing patterns
Core muscle coordination
Posture and alignment
Movement patterns throughout your whole body
Muscle imbalances
Scar tissue restrictions
A comprehensive rehabilitation program addresses all these factors, not just the pelvic floor in isolation.
4. Generic Exercises Don't Match Your Specific Needs
Standard "10 slow, 10 fast, 3 times daily" advice might be appropriate for some women, but completely wrong for others. You need:
The right intensity for YOUR strength level
The right type of contraction for YOUR symptoms
Progressive overload as you improve
Exercises matched to YOUR functional goals
Personalised prescription is essential.
What Actually Helps: Evidence-Based Treatment
So what DOES work for pelvic floor dysfunction? Here's what research and clinical experience tell us:
1. Specialist Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
The gold standard treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Studies show:
70-80% of women with stress incontinence improve significantly with physiotherapy
Pelvic floor exercises are more effective than surgery for mild-to-moderate prolapse
Women who receive physiotherapy recover faster and more completely than those who don't
2. Individualised Exercise Prescription
Based on thorough assessment, we create a program that's:
Matched to your current ability
Progressive (gradually increasing challenge)
Functional (training movements you need for daily life)
Sustainable (exercises you can maintain long-term)
3. Breathing and Postural Re-Education
Your breath creates pressure in your abdomen. If you:
Hold your breath during activities
Breathe predominantly into your upper chest
Bear down when you should be lifting
...you're creating downward pressure on your pelvic floor with every breath. We teach you better patterns.
4. Scar Tissue Treatment
If you have scar tissue from:
C-section
Episiotomy or tearing
Previous abdominal surgery
Manual therapy and our advanced LymphaTouch technology can improve scar mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
5. Graduated Return to Exercise
When you're ready, we guide you through:
Safe return to core exercises
Impact exercise progression
Sport-specific training
Transition to our Pre and Postnatal Pilates classes for ongoing strength
Real Stories from Women We've Helped in Sheffield
"I went to Beki with no idea how to recover from having a c section. Beki took her time listening to my experience and how I was. She worked with me to close my abdominal separation, build strength, and through scar therapy my scar looks and feels healthier and is healing amazingly. I can't recommend it enough.
Beki has helped me overcome my anxiety over my scar so much so I can now look and touch it. Through her support I am on the right path to correctly healing and loving my body again. I have a part of me back."
Lauren, Sheffield
"I've seen Beki several times during my postnatal recovery which has made a huge difference to my physical health. She's extremely knowledgeable in her field, very friendly yet professional and immediately puts you at ease during appointments. I'd highly recommend a session with her to anyone having physical issues after giving birth."
Rebecca, Sheffield:
Common Questions About Women's Health Physiotherapy
"Will the examination be painful or uncomfortable?"
The internal examination should not be painful. Beki uses gentle, professional technique and always works at your pace. If you have increased sensitivity or anxiety, she'll adapt the assessment accordingly. Many women are surprised by how comfortable and quick it is.
"I'm embarrassed to talk about these problems."
We completely understand, which is why Beki has created a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space. Remember: she assesses and treats pelvic floor dysfunction every single day. There is nothing you can tell her that she hasn't heard before, and she chose this specialism because she's passionate about helping women.
"Do I need a GP referral?"
No. You can book directly with us for a Women's Health Physiotherapy assessment. However, we work collaboratively with GPs and can communicate with yours if you'd like us to.
"Will my health insurance cover it?"
Many private health insurance plans cover physiotherapy. Check with your provider. We accept most health insurance cash plans (e.g., Westfield).
"Can I bring my baby?"
Absolutely! We're a baby-friendly clinic. Bring your baby, your toddler, whoever you need to bring. We completely understand the realities of motherhood.
"What should I wear?"
Comfortable clothing that allows access to your abdomen – leggings/shorts and a sports bra or vest top are ideal. We have changing facilities available.
"How many appointments will I need?"
This varies depending on your individual situation. Some women need only 2-3 sessions, while others benefit from 6-8 sessions. Beki will give you an honest estimate after your assessment.
"When should I book my postnatal check?"
We recommend booking from 6 weeks postpartum onwards (for both vaginal and C-section births). However, even if you're months or years postnatal, it's never too late.
The Flex Difference: Why Women Choose Our Women's Health Service
Beki's Specialist Expertise
Beki is a Chartered Physiotherapist who has completed advanced training in Women's Health. She specialises in:
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Postnatal recovery
Pregnancy-related pain
Scar therapy (including C-sections)
Diastasis recti management
Pelvic organ prolapse
Incontinence treatment
Integrated Approach
One of the unique benefits of Flex is our seamless integration between physiotherapy and Pilates. Once you've completed your initial rehabilitation with Beki, you can transition into our Pre and Postnatal Pilates classes for ongoing strength, confidence, and community support.
This progression from treatment to long-term wellness is rare in physiotherapy clinics.
Advanced Technology
We're proud to offer LymphaTouch therapy – advanced technology that enhances scar healing, reduces swelling, and improves tissue mobility. This is particularly beneficial for C-section recovery.
Compassionate, Person-Centred Care
We understand that pelvic floor problems affect far more than just physical function. They impact:
Your confidence
Your relationships
Your mental health
Your ability to enjoy activities
Your sense of self
Beki treats the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Take the First Step: Book Your Assessment
If you're experiencing any pelvic floor problems, whether you're 6 weeks or 6 years postpartum, it's time to stop suffering and start recovering.
You don't have to:
Wear panty liners "just in case"
Avoid trampolines or bouncy castles
Cross your legs when you sneeze
Plan your day around toilet locations
Accept pain during sex
Feel uncomfortable in your own body
These problems are treatable. You deserve to feel like yourself again.
Book Your Women's Health Assessment at Flex
Flex Physiotherapy - Women's Health Service
321-323 Middlewood Road
Hillsborough
Sheffield
S6 1TH
Phone: 0114 4539669
Email: bekiflexpilates@gmail.com
We serve women across Sheffield including Hillsborough, Wadsley, Crookes, Walkley, Stannington, Malin Bridge, and surrounding areas.
Additional Services That May Interest You
Natal Check/MOT – Comprehensive postnatal assessment including pelvic floor, diastasis recti, and scar examination
Scar Therapy – Specialist treatment for C-section scars, episiotomy scars, and other abdominal scarring
LymphaTouch – Advanced technology for enhanced scar healing and swelling reduction
Pre and Postnatal Pilates Classes – Safe, physio-led classes for pregnancy and postnatal recovery
Not sure which service you need? Contact us and we'll help you choose the right starting point.
Remember: You're Not Alone
Millions of women experience pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth. The difference is that some women seek help and recover, while others suffer unnecessarily for years.
Which will you choose?
Call 0114 4539669 or book online today. Your body, and your future self, will thank you.
Thanks for reading!
Beki Cunliffe
Co-Director & Women's Health Specialist Physiotherapist
Flex Pilates and Physiotherapy
Sheffield
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