Is Leaking Normal After Baby?

Why Incontinence Is Common—But Not Normal

Having a baby changes everything—your schedule, your sleep, your snack stash… and, for many people, your bladder control. If you’ve ever peed a little while sneezing, laughing, running, or picking up your toddler, you’re not alone. In fact, studies estimate that 1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence postpartum.

But just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal—or that you have to live with it.

In this blog, we’re going to bust some myths, share the real scoop on postpartum incontinence, and show you how pelvic floor therapy can help you go from “Oops, I leaked again” to confidently laughing, lifting, and living leak-free.

🚽 What Is Postpartum Incontinence, Anyway?

Incontinence simply means leaking urine unintentionally. After having a baby, many people experience:

• Stress incontinence: leaking when you cough, sneeze, jump, or move quickly.
  

• Urge incontinence: the sudden need to pee right now with little warning.
  

• Mixed incontinence: a combination of the two.
  

Postpartum, your pelvic floor muscles may be weakened, overstretched, or injured, especially if you had a vaginal birth, tearing, prolonged pushing, or a C-section. Hormones like relaxin can also make tissues more lax, while a baby sitting on your bladder for 9 months doesn’t exactly help.

Here’s the kicker: leaking isn’t just a “new mom problem.” Without proper recovery, it can continue for years—even decades—if unaddressed.

🚫 Common Myth: “It’s Just What Happens After Kids.”

We hear it all the time: “Oh, that’s just what happens when you have a baby.” Or worse: “Just wear a pad and get over it.”

Here’s what we say to that:

NOPE.
Not normal. Not inevitable. Not something you have to accept.

Yes, bladder leaks are very common. But with the right assessment and treatment, they are almost always treatable—and often fully fixable.

Incontinence isn’t just about inconvenience. Left untreated, it can lead to:

• Avoiding activities you love (like running or dancing)
  

• Feeling embarrassed in social situations
  

• Increased risk of UTIs and skin irritation
  

• Emotional stress or body shame
  

• Worsening pelvic floor issues like prolapse over time
  

🧠 Let’s Talk Pelvic Floor (and Why It Matters)

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act like a hammock at the bottom of your pelvis. They support your bladder, uterus, rectum, and play a big role in:

• Peeing and pooping
  

• Sexual function
  

• Core stability
  

• Postural alignment
  

• Birthing your baby!
  

After pregnancy and birth, the pelvic floor may be tight, weak, scarred, or just not coordinating properly. That’s where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in.

🧘‍♀️ What Happens in Pelvic Floor Therapy?

At Practically Perfect Physical Therapy, our pelvic health specialists offer 1:1, private sessions designed to help you understand and treat the real cause of your leaking.

Your sessions might include:

✅ A thorough assessment of your posture, breath, core, and pelvic floor
✅ Hands-on therapy to reduce tension or improve mobility
✅ Training to retrain your pelvic floor and deep core
✅ Real-life strategies for lifting, coughing, sneezing, and moving without leaks
✅ Education, support, and home exercises tailored to your lifestyle

And yes—we make it comfortable and supportive. You’ll never feel rushed or embarrassed here. (Our clinic is cozy, kid-friendly, and run by real moms who get it.)

💡 Real Tip: “Stop Doing Kegels” (At Least, Not Like That)

You may have been told to “just do some kegels,” but here’s the truth:

Kegels are not a one-size-fits-all fix.

In fact, doing kegels when your pelvic floor is already tight or uncoordinated can make things worse. (It’s like doing bicep curls with a muscle that’s already in a spasm.)

Our team teaches you how to breathe, coordinate, and engage the right muscles at the right time—so your pelvic floor actually does its job. This often includes whole-body strategies like posture tweaks, breathwork, and alignment—not just “squeeze and lift.”

💬 A Patient Story

“I thought peeing myself when I sneezed was just part of motherhood. After my second baby, I couldn’t even run around the yard without leaking. I finally made an appointment at Practically Perfect and it changed my life. They helped me understand why I was leaking, taught me how to fix it, and were so kind and validating. Now I run, jump, and laugh without fear!”

—Melissa R., age 36

🙋‍♀️ When Should You Get Help?

If you're asking, “Should I be worried about this?”—it’s probably time.

Come see us if you…

• Leak pee when you sneeze, laugh, run, or lift
  

• Have to pee frequently or urgently
  

• Feel pressure or heaviness “down there”
  

• Experience pain during sex or pelvic exams
  

• Still feel “disconnected” from your core or pelvic floor after birth
  

Whether you’re 6 weeks or 6 years postpartum—it’s never too late.

✅ You Deserve to Feel Strong, Dry, and Confident

Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about peeing. It’s about feeling in control of your body again.

No more leaking. No more avoiding workouts. No more packing extra underwear “just in case.”

It’s time to feel practically perfect again.

Ready to Take the First Step?

We created a free 7-day Happy Bladder Challenge that gives you simple, evidence-based tips to start healing your pelvic floor from home. It’s short, approachable, and totally free.

👉 Click here to join the Happy Bladder Challenge
Or call us at (609) 300-3963 if you’re ready to book your first session.