Birth Recovery Services

Common Bladder And Bowel Changes After Birth

It’s no secret: The journey through pregnancy and childbirth can reshape nearly every part of your body, and for many, that includes changes to bladder and bowel function. What might begin as a subtle change (a frequent need to go to the bathroom, feelings of incomplete emptying, or an occasional leak when laughing or sneezing) can sometimes develop into a more persistent challenge in those tender days and weeks after birth. Understanding why they happen is the first step toward healing and support.

How Pregnancy And Birth Affect The Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles that help support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. During pregnancy, these muscles are naturally under strain due to hormonal changes and the growing weight of your baby. Childbirth—especially if prolonged, assisted with forceps or vacuum, or involving a larger baby—can further stretch or injure these muscles and surrounding tissues. As a result, many people experience:

• Stress Urinary Incontinence: Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting.

• Bladder Urgency Or Frequency: A sudden or frequent need to urinate, even when the bladder isn't full.

• Incomplete Bladder Emptying: Difficulty fully emptying the bladder after using the restroom.

• Bowel Changes: Constipation, accidental leakage, or the sensation of incomplete emptying.

• Gas And Urgency Control Issues: Difficulty holding in gas or delaying a bowel movement.

• Chronic Constipation: Due to hormonal and physiological changes, constipation is all too common during pregnancy. 

These symptoms are nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about. They reflect the hard work your body has done and the transition it’s still going through. For some, these concerns resolve swiftly in the weeks postpartum, while for others, the recovery after birth timeline may take longer.

Typical Postpartum Bladder Issues

According to the Bladder & Bowel Community, one of the most frequent concerns is stress urinary incontinence, which occurs when pelvic floor or sphincter muscles are weakened or damaged. It’s especially common in the later stages of pregnancy and after delivery. Most cases improve with targeted pelvic floor exercises, but if symptoms persist, it’s important to seek support from a trained pelvic floor specialist like Blair Mauri.

In some cases, people experience urinary retention, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder. This often happens within the first couple of days after birth, especially following long labors, epidurals, or assisted deliveries. Though it usually resolves quickly, persistent issues should be addressed with your provider.

Bowel Concerns And Healing

Bowel issues are also part of the postpartum picture for many. These symptoms can result from postpartum pelvic floor changes or tearing during birth. Steps that support recovery include:

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: These exercises, under the guidance of a pelvic floor therapist, may help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and rebuild strength.

• Bowel Habit Training: This may help you reestablish control and improve response to bowel urges.

• Short-Term Laxative Use: Laxatives can soften stool and reduce strain during bowel movements.

• Hydration And A Fiber-Rich Diet: Drinking enough water and consuming a beneficial amount of fiber could promote regularity and support your overall digestive health.

• Toileting Mechanics: Proper positioning and breathing during bowel movements can support normal functions while not placing excess strain on the pelvic floor. 

With consistent care and guidance, these symptoms typically improve in the weeks and months following birth.

Hemorrhoids And Discomfort

Hemorrhoids are another common concern. The pressure of pregnancy and delivery can cause swollen blood vessels around the rectum, leading to discomfort or bleeding. While often temporary, symptoms can be managed with guidance from your provider.

You’re Not Alone

Experiencing bladder or bowel changes after birth can feel isolating, but they’re more common than most people realize. You don’t have to live with discomfort or confusion—support is available, and healing is absolutely possible. With evidence-based care and at-home pelvic floor therapy, many women regain control and feel like themselves again.

Other Common Pelvic Floor Issues During Pregnancy Aside From Bladder And Bowel Problems

While pregnancy is an exciting time, it often brings new physical demands—especially for the pelvic floor. As the body changes and the baby grows, these deep core muscles take on extra responsibility. This can sometimes lead to discomfort, instability, or early signs of dysfunction like bowel and bladder troubles. Knowing what else to expect can help you take steps to support your pelvic health and feel more prepared for both birth and recovery.

Pelvic Girdle Discomfort And Instability

Hormonal shifts during pregnancy naturally loosen the ligaments and joints that support your pelvis. For some, this can lead to pelvic girdle pain (PGP), which is a deep, sometimes sharp or aching discomfort felt in the lower back, hips, inner thighs, or around the pubic bone. Movements like walking, rolling in bed, or getting in and out of the car may feel more difficult. Fortunately, guided movement work, gentle stabilization, and targeted strengthening during pelvic floor therapy sessions can make a big difference in helping to reduce strain and improve comfort.

Pelvic Organ Pressure Or Prolapse

As your baby grows, the increased weight and pressure can sometimes push pelvic organs downward, especially if there’s already some weakness in the pelvic floor. This can cause a sensation of heaviness, pressure, or even a visible bulge near the vaginal opening—signs of what’s known as pelvic organ prolapse. With the right strategies, including breathwork and functional exercises, pelvic floor therapy can help relieve your symptoms during the postpartum period.

What To Expect During In-Home Pelvic Floor Therapy

When you book a session with Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, you’re receiving personalized, one-on-one care in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking for vaginal birth recovery services or seeking relief from chronic symptoms, each session is designed to meet your unique needs and goals.

Comprehensive Evaluation And Personalized Goal Setting

Every first visit begins with a thoughtful, in-depth evaluation. Blair takes the time to understand your health history, current symptoms, and personal goals. Together, you’ll dive deep into factors such as:

• Pelvic Floor Function: Identifying signs of tightness, weakness, or muscle coordination issues.

• Core Strength And Posture: Understanding how your alignment impacts pelvic floor recovery after birth and daily movement.

• Breathing Patterns: Learning how diaphragmatic breathing can support muscle relaxation and regulation.

• Lifestyle Habits: Looking at how your home setup, lifting techniques, and daily movement patterns may contribute to ongoing discomfort.

This first session typically lasts 90 minutes and helps establish a collaborative plan for your care.

Optional Internal And External Assessments

Blair may recommend an internal or external pelvic exam if it supports your care plan, but only after you’ve been fully informed about what each exam entails and you’re comfortable with your selected option. External assessments focus on observing movement patterns and gently assessing the perineum and surrounding tissues. An internal exam, performed with a gloved, lubricated finger, helps evaluate muscle tone, coordination, and strength from within the vaginal canal.

Consent is ongoing and central to Blair’s practice. If you ever feel unsure or need a break, your boundaries will always be respected and she can pause or stop at any time. You’re in control every step of the way.

Tailored Exercises For Recovery And Strength

Each session includes exercises carefully selected for your specific needs. For example:

• Tight Or Overactive Muscles: Blair incorporates relaxation strategies to release tension.

• Weakened Support Structures: You’ll work on gentle, functional movements to rebuild strength and stability without pushing your body beyond its limits.

• Vaginal Or Cesarean Birth Recovery: You’ll practice coordination exercises that support healing after birth, which can be adjusted depending on your delivery method.

This approach supports the full spectrum of pelvic floor recovery, from prenatal care to postpartum support and beyond. It also reflects Blair’s belief that movement should feel intuitive, not intimidating.

Hands-On Care And Education

Blair brings a hands-on, whole-body approach to every session. Depending on your stage of care, she may provide manual therapy to release tension and improve mobility, or postpartum guidance on scar mobilization (including C-section scars), ergonomics, and 4th trimester planning. If you haven’t had your child yet, she can also provide you with helpful, personalized birth preparation techniques like push coaching, pelvic mobility training, and perineal massage.

You’ll also receive clear, practical education to help you understand your symptoms and progress. Blair explains the “why” behind each technique, so each session feels empowering and valuable.

A Calm, Supportive Healing Space

Blair’s at-home pelvic floor therapy in NYC offers privacy, flexibility, and a deeper connection. Blair works exclusively with clients throughout Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan—including Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Park Slope, Dumbo, and Tribeca—and makes herself available for support between sessions if needed. Her focus is on building trust, not rushing care. If you're looking for a pelvic floor specialist in NYC who truly takes the time to understand your body, Blair’s practice is a meaningful alternative to the fast-paced clinic model.

Continued Progress Between Sessions

After each visit, you’ll receive a personalized care plan with exercises and simple tools to support your healing at home. This might include posture adjustments, breathing techniques, or gentle mobility work—whatever aligns with your needs and goals. Blair is committed to helping you build strength, restore function, and feel confident in your body again.

As a cost-effective way to begin pelvic floor therapy in Brooklyn, it’s recommended to choose from one of Blair’s care packages. Pelvic Floor Package 1 is ideal for returning clients seeking continued support with a discounted rate (six treatment sessions at $215 each, 10% off). Meanwhile, Pelvic Floor Package 2 is best for new clients and includes a full initial evaluation plus five follow-up sessions, also at 10% off. Whether you’re recovering from birth or simply want support for symptoms that don’t feel quite right, Blair offers expert, compassionate care to help you heal on your terms.

Will Insurance Cover At-Home Birth Recovery Services?

Blair Mauri Pelvic Health operates as an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans. This means Blair does not bill your insurance directly, but you can still use HSA funds for sessions and request a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

Why This Model Works Better For You

While traditional in-network care often means 12 shorter sessions (30–45 minutes) with variable copays, Blair’s approach focuses on fewer, longer sessions—typically 4 to 6 one-hour treatments. This allows for more personalized, in-depth care and often leads to faster, more sustainable recovery. Most clients find that this model offers greater value and a more respectful use of time and energy during a vulnerable stage of healing.

Extra Support Between Sessions

To make care more accessible, Blair is available for check-ins via email or quick calls between visits, especially for those choosing biweekly or monthly appointments. This level of ongoing support is part of what makes the at-home care model so effective.

Bottom Line

While insurance may not cover Blair’s services directly, many of her clients find that out-of-network reimbursement plus HSA usage offers a workable path to getting the expert support they need. And with Blair’s focus on quality over quantity, most patients experience noticeable results in fewer sessions.

Want to learn more or explore your options? Book a free discovery call to see what care might look like for you.

How To Integrate Baby Bonding With Self-Care

Postpartum recovery involves caring for your newborn while also tending to your own healing. Rather than seeing these as separate priorities, it can be helpful to look for ways they overlap. Moments of closeness—like feeding, skin-to-skin contact, or simply cuddling—are not just important for your baby’s development. They can also be opportunities to check in with yourself.

Breathwork And Body Awareness During Everyday Routines

Even a few intentional breaths can help reconnect you with your body. Try noticing how your ribs expand with each inhale or whether you’re holding tension in your pelvic floor. These small practices don’t require extra time. They can happen while rocking your baby, sitting together quietly, or lying side by side.

Gentle Movement With Your Baby Nearby

When you feel ready, restorative movement can be a powerful tool for healing. With your baby resting nearby or engaged in the process, simple stretches, gentle core and pelvic floor exercises, and calming breathwork can become part of your daily rhythm. Speaking softly, humming, or making eye contact during these moments helps foster bonding while honoring your own recovery.

Not sure where to start? During in-home pelvic floor therapy sessions with Blair, she can guide you through movement techniques step by step, helping you build confidence, learn proper form, and adjust based on what your body needs. With her support, you’ll be able to move mindfully and safely, both during sessions and in your own time between visits. This personalized approach helps ensure that the movements you continue at home are not only effective but also aligned with your body’s current stage of healing.

Progress Over Perfection

There’s no “right” way to participate in postpartum self-care. What matters most is giving yourself permission to slow down and take up space in this season of change. These small acts of connection with yourself and your baby can support your healing now and create a strong foundation for the weeks and months ahead.