Breastfeeding & the Pelvic Floor: What Every New Mum Should Know by Kathryn Melvin Women's Health APA Physiotherapist

Becoming a parent is a huge physical and emotional transition, and breastfeeding often becomes a major focus in those early weeks. What many people don’t realise is that breastfeeding doesn’t just affect the upper body — it can influence the pelvic floor, too. Understanding this connection can help new mums feel more supported, more informed, and more confident in their recovery.

Why Breastfeeding Affects the Pelvic Floor

1. Hormones play a big role

During breastfeeding, the body produces higher levels of prolactin and oxytocin, and lower levels of oestrogen. That drop in oestrogen can lead to:

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Increased sensitivity or discomfort

  • A feeling of pelvic heaviness

These hormonal changes are completely normal, but they can make pelvic floor symptoms more noticeable.

2. Feeding posture matters

Many mums spend hours each day feeding in positions that strain the neck, shoulders, back - and yes, the pelvic floor.

Common posture challenges include:

  • Slumping or rounding through the spine

  • Sitting for long periods without support

  • Leaning forward to latch

When the spine collapses, the pelvic floor often follows, becoming less supported and more fatigued.

3. The early postpartum period is a time of healing

Whether someone has had a vaginal birth or a caesarean, the pelvic floor has been through a lot. Breastfeeding often coincides with:

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Reduced movement

  • Increased time sittingAll of these can influence how the pelvic floor feels and functions.

Common Pelvic Floor Symptoms During Breastfeeding

It’s not unusual for breastfeeding mums to notice:

  • A sense of heaviness or dragging

  • Mild urinary leakage

  • Vaginal dryness or discomfort

  • Lower back or pelvic pain

  • Difficulty activating the pelvic floor

These symptoms don’t mean anything is “wrong” needs support - they’re simply signals that the body

How Physiotherapy Can Help

A pelvic health physio can make a huge difference in postpartum comfort and recovery.

Support may include:

✔ Posture and feeding setup

Small adjustments to feeding positions can reduce pressure on the pelvic floor and improve comfort during long feeds.

✔ Gentle pelvic floor activation

Learning how to reconnect with the pelvic floor, without over‑tightening is key. Many new mums benefit from guided breathing and low‑load exercises.

✔ Strategies for vaginal dryness

While physios don’t prescribe medication, we can offer general education about lubricants, moisturisers, and when to speak with a GP about oestrogen‑based options.

✔ Core and whole‑body support

The pelvic floor doesn’t work alone. Restoring strength and coordination through the hips, back, and deep core helps everything function better.

Practical Tips for Breastfeeding Mums

  • Use pillows to bring baby to you — not the other way around

  • Keep both feet supported to reduce pelvic pressure

  • Try side‑lying feeding to give your pelvic floor a break

  • Incorporate gentle movement between feeds

  • Stay hydrated and nourished

  • Seek help early if something doesn’t feel right

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding is a beautiful but demanding experience, and it’s completely normal for the pelvic floor to feel different during this time. With the right support, most symptoms improve significantly, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re experiencing discomfort, heaviness, leakage, or just want reassurance that your recovery is on track, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body again.

Stuart McKayComment