A Letter to New Moms: You’re Not Broken—You Just Need the Right Support

Dear New Mom,

First, let us say this: you are incredible!

No matter how you brought your baby into the world - through a long and prolonged labor, a C-section, an unmedicated birth, adoption, or surrogacy—you have embarked on one of the most transformational journeys a human can experience. We see you. We honor you. And we want to tell you something that not enough people say:

You are not broken.

We are a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic, and we have had the privilege of walking beside hundreds of women as they navigate the postpartum journey. And in almost every case, we see a common theme: pain, confusion, lack of support, minimal information and silence. Somewhere along the way, society has convinced new moms that physical discomfort, bladder leaks, painful intimacy, or feeling disconnected from their bodies are just things they need to "get over."

But we know better. And we want you to know better, too. 

Postpartum Doesn’t End at 6 Weeks

That six-week postpartum checkup may feel like the "finish line," but for many women, it’s just the beginning. After growing and birthing a baby, your body goes through immense change. Your pelvic floor muscles, abdominal wall, back, and hips all participate in this beautiful chaos. Your hormones change over the course of pregnancy and can take years to stabilize postpartum.

It’s no surprise that many moms find themselves wondering:

The truth is, these are common experiences—but they are not normal. They are signs that your body is calling for healing and help. And just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without recovery, you shouldn’t be expected to go through childbirth without one either. Pregnancy is the longest race that we go through as moms…9 months to have your baby and then the healing time afterwards (longer than you think and can easily be longer than the 9 month prep time).

You Deserve Real Answers and Gentle Guidance

Pelvic floor therapy exists because your postpartum body deserves professional, specialized care. We assess and treat the muscles, tissues, and nerves of the pelvic floor and core. Our job is to listen without judgment, educate with empathy, and guide you toward healing.

In our office, we've met moms who waited years before seeking help. They’ve endured back pain that never fully went away. They've given up running because of bladder leaks. They’ve convinced themselves painful intimacy is just "how things are now."

But when they finally walk through our doors, we begin a new chapter together. One filled with hope, progress, and reconnection.

Here’s what that healing journey can look like:

This isn’t about "bouncing back." This is about moving forward in a way that honors everything your body has been through. It’s about finding a new norm, being strong and feeling strong for yourself AND your family. Understanding what your body is capable of and seeing the healing happen is the best part of the journey.

Your Emotions Matter Too

Healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. We know that postpartum life can be incredibly isolating. The sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and pressure to "do it all" can weigh heavily on even the strongest women.

Sometimes, pelvic floor dysfunction is accompanied by shame or embarrassment. We want to remind you: there is nothing shameful about needing help.

As pelvic floor therapists, we’re also here to be a safe space. Many of our sessions involve tears, laughter, and real talk about motherhood. You deserve a care team that sees all of you—your strength, your struggles, your story.

We will meet you where you are in terms of your comfort level and what you would like to share about your pregnancy and postpartum life. Many of us are moms too and we love to connect with other moms going through the same thing.

Bring your babies and kids along if you would like. We will make the process easy and support you, whatever that looks like. Our team is here to help having toys, bouncy seats, bubbles, books and more to help your little ones so that YOU can focus on your body.

Support Looks Different for Everyone

Every healing journey is unique. Some moms come in just a few weeks postpartum, looking for gentle movement and reassurance. Others come in years later; after realizing they’ve lived with symptoms far too long and are ready to make a change once and for all.

Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here.

And no, you don’t need a referral or permission to get started. You just need to know that it’s important to invest in yourself. Your health matters—not just so you can care for your family, but because you are worth caring for.

We wear so many hats in life being a mom, spouse, friend, support system, our career and more. YOU are where it all starts and you have to prioritize your health so that you can enjoy being “all the things” to everyone in your life.

We Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Healing isn’t linear. Some days will feel like breakthroughs; others will feel like setbacks. That’s normal. The important thing is that you keep showing up for yourself.

At our clinic, we celebrate every win:

These moments are powerful. And they remind us why we do what we do.

You Are Not Alone

If you take one thing away from this letter, let it be this:

You are not broken. You are healing.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Pelvic floor therapy is not just for people with "severe" problems. It’s for moms who want to feel good in their bodies. It’s for moms who want to understand what’s happening and get real, evidence-based help.

It’s for you.

If you’re ready to take that first step, we are here. Our team is ready to walk this path with you—with empathy, expertise, and unwavering support.

With warmth and respect,

Shaina and the Breakaway Physical Therapy Team
Your partners in pelvic health and healing

Supporting moms to live their best life and become “Mom Strong”