The postpartum symptoms you shouldn't just put up with.

Is this normal after having a baby?

One of the things I hear most in clinic is...

"I just thought it was something I had to put up with."

Whether it's leaking when you sneeze, feeling heavy "down below", back pain or wondering why your tummy still doesn't feel the same, so many women assume these things are just part of being a mum.

The truth?

They're common. But common doesn't mean normal. And it definitely doesn't mean you have to live with them forever.

Here are some of the things I help women with every week.

"I leak when I run, sneeze or jump."

This is probably the most common thing women whisper to me once the clinic door closes.

Many women are told that leaking is inevitable after having children, but it isn't something you should just accept.

Leaks often happen because your pelvic floor isn't coping with the demands being placed on it. That doesn't necessarily mean it's "weak" - sometimes it needs to become stronger, sometimes it needs to relax better, and often it's about how your whole body manages pressure.

The right assessment and rehab can make a huge difference, helping you get back to running, exercising or simply laughing without worrying about leaks.

"Everything feels really heavy."

That dragging, pressure or "something's there" feeling can be really unsettling.

Sometimes it's related to a pelvic organ prolapse, sometimes it's your pelvic floor becoming tired, and sometimes there are other factors contributing too.

The good news is that many women notice significant improvements with the right advice. Things like managing pressure through the day, addressing constipation, returning to exercise gradually and specific pelvic floor rehabilitation can all help reduce symptoms.

"My tummy still sticks out."

Lots of mums worry they've got a "gap" that needs closing.

We now know it's less about the width of the gap and more about how well your abdominal wall functions.

Rather than chasing a smaller gap, I focus on helping your core work efficiently for the things you actually want to do - whether that's lifting your baby, getting back to Pilates or training for a marathon.

"My back or pelvis still hurts."

Just because your baby has arrived doesn't mean pregnancy-related aches instantly disappear.

Your body has adapted over nine months, and it takes time to regain strength, confidence and movement.

Recovery usually involves understanding what's driving your symptoms, gradually building strength and returning to the activities you enjoy at the right pace. Sometimes hands-on treatment is helpful too, but exercise and education are usually the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

"I'm constantly rushing to the toilet."

Needing the toilet every hour, struggling to hold on or feeling like you never completely empty your bladder isn't something you should ignore.

Bladder habits can change after pregnancy and birth, but they can often be improved with the right assessment and treatment.

When should you get checked?

Honestly?

Whenever something doesn't feel right.

Whether you're 8 weeks postpartum, 8 months or your youngest child has just started secondary school...

It is never too late to improve these symptoms.

I've treated women decades after having their children who thought leaking or pelvic heaviness was simply something they had to live with.

It wasn't.

You don't have to just put up with it.

If you're experiencing bladder leaks, pelvic heaviness, tummy concerns, pelvic pain or anything else that doesn't feel quite right, a women's health assessment can help identify what's going on and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

My appointments are never about being told to "just do your pelvic floor exercises."

We'll look at the whole picture - your symptoms, your goals, your lifestyle and your movement - and make a plan that's realistic for you.

Whether your goal is running your first 5k, chasing your toddler around soft play or simply feeling more confident in your body again, that's where we'll start.

Ready to get started?

You can book a Mummy MOT or women's health physiotherapy assessment at my Bexley clinic, or get in touch if you'd like to chat about whether physiotherapy is right for you.