Healing After Baby: It’s More Than Just Time
Dr. Hailey Miller, PT, DPT
When it comes to postpartum healing, the advice most moms hear is some version of “Just give it time.” And while time does play a role, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. The truth? Healing after birth is layered, personal, and most of all—intentional.
As a pelvic health physical therapist—and a mom of two—I can say this with confidence: time alone won’t heal your pelvic floor, rebuild your core, or restore your nervous system. That takes real support, mindful movement, and a whole lot of grace.
Let’s talk about what true postpartum recovery looks like—and why you deserve more than the “wait and see” approach.
My Real-Life Recovery: From Therapist to Tired New Mom
After my first baby, I expected a smoother postpartum experience. Fast birth? Check. Professional training? Check. But even with all that, I was completely unprepared for how depleted, disconnected, and discouraged I felt.
I leaked urine every time I sneezed with a full bladder. My pelvis felt like it was falling out. Intimacy was painful and confusing. And emotionally? I was spiraling—wondering if this uncomfortable, exhausted version of me was my “new normal.”
When baby number two came, I knew better. I didn’t hope for healing to happen—I planned for it. I leaned into the very tools I teach my clients:
- Nervous system regulation (hello, breathwork and body scans)
- Pelvic floor and core activation without overdoing it
- Gentle lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling
- Tiny rituals that made me feel human again—like hot showers, 5-minute walks, and asking for help
And I didn’t do it alone.
Healing After Birth Takes a Village—Build Yours Early
Here’s something I wish every mom knew: you were never meant to do this alone. And yet, so many women are sent home from the hospital with a baby, a long to-do list, and zero plan for their own healing.
This is where things fall apart. Or rather—where moms fall through the cracks.
Instead of waiting for overwhelm to hit, start building your support system before the baby arrives. Your recovery deserves the same planning and attention as the nursery.
Here’s what that can look like:
- Schedule pelvic floor therapy in advance (yes, even if you haven’t given birth yet!)
- Line up a perinatal chiropractor or bodyworker you trust
- Connect with a lactation consultant before baby arrives
- Talk to your partner or support network about what real help looks like (meals, chores, night feedings—not just “let me know if you need anything”)
- Prep care stations around the house: hydration, snacks, peri-care supplies, and comfy seating
- Bookmark helpful podcasts, online postpartum recovery programs, or communities that speak to you
- If possible, explore postpartum doulas, night nurses, or meal delivery options—practical help is self-care, too
You don’t need to tough it out. You need tools, guidance, and support—because healing happens with help.
Move Through Motherhood: A Modern Path to Postpartum Healing
That’s exactly why I co-created Move Through Motherhood—a guided, accessible, and holistic online postpartum recovery program that meets you where you are.
Whether you’re six weeks postpartum or six years in and still feeling the ripple effects of birth, this program helps you reconnect with your body in a sustainable way.
Move Through Motherhood isn’t just about kegels and crunches. It’s a full-body, full-life approach to healing—one that finally addresses postpartum recovery beyond kegels.
Inside the program, you’ll find:
- Nervous system support to help you feel safe, grounded, and calm in your body
- Lymphatic activation to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Targeted movement to rebuild your deep core and pelvic floor (without blowing out your back or neck)
- Gentle, realistic workouts that meet you at nap time or while baby’s on the play mat
- Digestive and organ support—because yes, your guts matter, too
- Quick self-care rituals that are doable, even if you only have five minutes
Everything is broken down into bite-sized video lessons, guides, and resources, so you’re never left wondering, “What now?”
This is the roadmap I wish I had—and the one I’m so proud to share with other moms now.
Planning for Postpartum Is the Most Loving Thing You Can Do
We prep hospital bags, fold tiny onesies, and read all the baby books. But what about you?
You matter. Your body matters. Your healing matters.
Planning for healing your core and pelvic floor postpartum isn’t selfish. It’s smart. It’s empowering. And honestly—it’s necessary.
Don’t wait until you're weeping in the bathroom, wondering why no one told you how hard this would be. Let’s rewrite the story together.
Because healing after baby is so much more than just time. It’s intention. It’s support. It’s community. And you deserve all of it.
Ready to Move Through Motherhood?
If you’re craving a gentle, empowering, and evidence-informed way to heal after baby, Move Through Motherhood is here for you. Whether you’re in the thick of newborn life or still picking up the pieces years later, this is your invitation to start healing—with guidance and grace.
Join our online postpartum recovery program and take the first step toward feeling strong, supported, and whole again.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s move through motherhood—together.
