Leaking After Having a Baby?

I had done all of the exercises during pregnancy and postpartum.. and I still was dealing with leaks any time I would laugh! I wanted to go on a walk with my new baby but pushing the stroller was even tough on my pelvic floor those first few months. Then came the sharp pain with intimacy. 

I thought.. I am way too young for this and knew there had to be something out there that could help me. That's when I came across a new, non-invasive pelvic floor therapy that was shown to reduce leaks and help with intimate wellness. As a chiropractor, I figured I would try this out and then look at the research. 

The night of my first session, I had a glass of wine with some friends. We walked, talked, laughed, and then I realized, wait! I didn't pee my pants!

I knew I wanted to finish my treatment protocol AND bring this to my patients. 

If you've ever crossed your legs to sneeze before, or even if things "down there" just don't feel the same since having a baby (whether that was a few weeks ago or 20 years ago!), I want you to know that you are not alone. But common does not mean that something is normal! Just wait it out isn't a plan. 

 

Why leaking happens after having a baby:

During pregnancy and delivery, your pelvic floor goes through a lot:

• Stretching of the muscles
• Pressure from baby + uterus
• Changes in coordination between core + pelvic floor

So what you’re left with postpartum isn’t just “weakness”…

It’s often a loss of proper muscle coordination and activation

That’s why you might notice leaking when you:

• sneeze or cough
• jump or exercise
• feel a sudden urge and can’t make it in time

 

“I’ve been doing kegels… why isn’t it working?”

This is where so many women get stuck. Including myself.. I remember trying to do my exercises and feeling as though I couldn't get the muscle to work. So yes, kegals can help.. but only if: 

• you’re doing them correctly
• your muscles are actually responding
• the issue is purely strength (which it often isn’t)

In reality, many women:

• can’t fully activate the pelvic floor
• are over-tight
• or don’t have the endurance needed for real-life moments

So doing more kegels… doesn’t always fix the problem.

 

What actually helps postpartum leaking

There are a few effective paths depending on what your body needs:

Pelvic floor physical therapy or chiropractic care

Great for retraining coordination and awareness

Breath + core retraining

Helps reconnect your deep core system

Lifestyle adjustments

Timing fluids, bladder habits, etc.

Advanced, non-invasive pelvic floor therapy

This is where many women finally see change

 

A different approach: strengthening beyond what you can do on your own

There are now treatments designed to stimulate the pelvic floor far more effectively than voluntary exercise.

One option we offer at Ascend Chiropractic is Emsella.

It works by:

• delivering thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor contractions in a single session
• helping retrain the muscles and improve strength + control
• doing it all while you’re fully clothed and seated

Think of it as jump-starting the connection your body is struggling to make on its own

 

For women in Lincoln, NE

We see this every day.

Women who:

• thought this was just part of motherhood
• tried kegels without results
• felt frustrated or embarrassed to even bring it up

And then realize…

There are options. And they actually work.

 

What to expect

• Sessions are quick (about 30 minutes)
• You remain fully clothed
• No downtime
• Most women follow a series of treatments for best results

 

The bottom line

Leaking after having a baby might be common…

…but it’s not something you have to just live with.

If your body isn’t responding the way you expected postpartum,
it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

It just means you may need a different approach.

 

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re curious what’s actually going on with your body (and what would help most):

• Schedule an intro session and consultation ($49 special)
• Or text message us with your questions 402-480-6680

We’re here to help you feel confident again — in your body and your everyday life.

Fill the form on this page and a member of our team will reach out to you to help you schedule your intro session! 

Emsella for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

 

Can't wait to help you on your journey - Dr. Olivia Bayer