Real Talk About Postpartum Pelvic Health in Waxhaw with Dr Jennie!

maternity | Newborn | Senior | Milestone Photographer - Charlotte, nc

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mother wearing a blue dress holds her daughter wearing white with a white bow in a flower garden in waxhaw nc close to pt office

As a Charlotte motherhood photographer and mom myself, I’ve talked with many moms. Some are newly pregnant with their first little blessing, other’s ready to have their third or fourth love, or of course many who are fresh from delivery. Others are navigating those busy, thick motherhood years when self-care almost feels like more of a chore than anything else. And some have kids graduating high school and can finally see the light at the end of the first parenting tunnel. I see firsthand how hard it is for moms to take care of themselves amid all the chaos. We all know the “oh, it can wait” habit very well! But one thing I know for sure: real care starts with understanding your body. That includes postpartum pelvic health in Waxhaw, something many women quietly struggle with but rarely discuss.

Let’s get real! Becoming a mom is magical — but also messy and full of surprises. As a mom of two, I’ve learned postpartum pelvic challenges are more common than most realize. My first baby was a c-section. My second, Emmerson, was born vaginally. I still remember laughing with a friend who said she almost peed when she sneezed after having her baby. Back then, I thought, “Ha! Not me.”

Fast forward 12 years. There I was, jumping on a trampoline with Emmerson at her toddler class. Suddenly, I realized maybe those giggles 12 years earlier were a little premature. That’s why I’m so grateful to Jennie Murray, DPT. She’s a local Waxhaw pelvic health physical therapist who gave her time generously. Jennie was eager to share expert advice with moms and women like us. She helps us understand what’s really going on “down there” after baby. Jennie’s approach is relatable, compassionate, and — let’s be honest — exactly what every mom needs.

mom and daughter throwing their head backs laughing as they share a sweet moment while mom holds her daughter

Common Challenges with Postpartum Pelvic Health—and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Jennie shares that postpartum bodies often face:

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, pain, or prolapse)
  • Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)
  • Lower back and hip pain
  • Scar tissue restrictions from c-sections or episiotomies
  • Posture changes from breastfeeding and carrying babies

Physical therapy helps by identifying the root causes and working to restore continence, relieve pain, improve posture, and guide a safe return to exercise.

When to Seek Help

I was surprised to learn that in countries like France and Australia, every new mom automatically sees a pelvic floor PT. Why not here? Jennie says childbirth can be really tough on the body — if it was your shoulder, you’d get therapy. But since it’s your vagina, many women are told, “That’s just normal.”

Here’s the truth: those symptoms are common but not normal. Jennie recommends scheduling a pelvic floor evaluation around 4-6 weeks postpartum. And if you’re experiencing leaking, pressure, or pain, don’t wait — get help sooner rather than later.

Supporting Your Pelvic Health at Home

The pelvic floor supports so much—your organs, bladder control, sexual health, posture, and core stability. Jennie’s top tips for recovery include:

  • Drinking plenty of water to avoid constipation
  • Eating nutrient-rich foods
  • Paying attention to posture and lifting safely
  • Starting gentle, low-impact exercise when you’re ready
mother and daughter share a moment together sitting in a waxhaw area park []

What to Expect from Physical Therapy

Your PT will listen carefully to your story, assess the issues, and create a personalized plan. Treatments may include manual therapy (both external and internal), exercises, retraining your muscle-brain connection, and lots of education. Jennie even includes breathing techniques and meditation to help manage stress—because healing is about the whole body and mind.

daughter wearing a white dress is being held by her mom smiling with her head on mom's shoulder in a waxhaw area park

Daily Tips for Improving Postpartum Pelvic Health in Waxhaw

Jennie’s simple daily habits that can make a big difference:

  • Practice deep belly breathing
  • Keep good posture: chin tucked, shoulders back and down, knees soft
  • Brace your lower abs when lifting
  • Avoid squatting on the toilet to allow your pelvic floor to relax fully
  • Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily—start with water, not coffee!  Yes ladies this one got me too but if it works, then why not give it a go.  We all know we don’t hydrate enough already, right?
Dark hair mother sitting in a flower garden wearing a blue dress holding her daughter in her lap in a waxhaw park

Final Thoughts on Postpartum Pelvic Health in Waxhaw (From Jennie and Me)

“If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.”

As a mom who’s been there, I can’t stress enough: don’t accept discomfort as “just how it is.” Be proactive. Advocate for yourself. You don’t need a referral to see a pelvic floor PT privately. And trust me, avoiding adult diapers is a worthy goal!  I get it ladies.  As we get older we all know things don’t autocorrect without a little help, so we need to be self-advocating and encourage our friends to do the same.  

If you’re feeling unsure about your pelvic health or want to be proactive, I encourage you to reach out to Jennie Murray Physical Therapy. Her care is personal, expert, and real — just like this conversation.

And of course, if you’re looking for a Waxhaw area photographer who truly understands the beautiful, messy journey of motherhood — from pregnancy through those busy in-between years and beyond — I’d love to chat with you about capturing your unique story. Whether you’re preparing for delivery, celebrating milestones like bringing home your newborn, singing happy birthday, or clapping out that high school graduation moment, photography can be a powerful way to celebrate you and your family’s journey.

You can find Jennie here:
📍 616 N Broome Street, Suite 103, Waxhaw, NC
📧 jenniemurraypt@gmail.com
📞 704-243-8488
Instagram: @jenniemurrayphysicaltherapy
Facebook: Jennie Murray Physical Therapy

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