When you’re expecting a little one, you quickly learn to brace yourself for a range of uncomfortable and downright messy surprises during labor and delivery. From the potential for vomiting to the very real possibility of tearing, the list goes on. But one thing I never anticipated was the injury I’d sustain to my tailbone (which, by the way, is called the coccyx—good luck saying that one!).
After giving birth, the area between your legs can feel like a burning fire of discomfort. Yet, while most postpartum pains faded over time, my tailbone agony persisted. Sitting in various positions—whether slouching, leaning back, or even lying down—felt like being struck by lightning. And as a new mom, you find yourself in these positions quite a bit during long nursing sessions, pumping, or simply trying to catch a few minutes of sleep. Sneezing or laughing? Forget it—those actions sent shockwaves through my body, which really redefined the phrase “laughing my butt off.”
Like any savvy millennial mom, I turned to the Internet for solutions. What I found was disheartening: countless women shared their experiences of enduring tailbone pain for months or even up to a year post-labor. The consensus seemed to be that the only remedy was time, and I began to dread the thought of living with persistent pain indefinitely.
Finally, during my six-week postpartum appointment, I told my doctor about my discomfort. To my relief, she promptly referred me to a postpartum physical therapist. “That exists?” I asked, both astonished and hopeful.
Indeed, pelvic floor therapy is a thing! According to resources like Lucie’s List, the pelvic floor comprises muscles that stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone. This region acts like a supportive hammock for our key organs and can become weakened, especially after childbirth, as it stretches to accommodate a baby. It turns out that nearly half of all women experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction post-delivery.
As I entered my physical therapy appointment, I had expected it to solely focus on my tailbone issue. However, I soon realized that pregnancy and childbirth impact much more than just one area. The therapist conducted a thorough evaluation of my body, including my hip and spine alignment, posture, abdomen, and yes, the pelvic floor itself. It was a relief to be cleared of other common postpartum concerns, such as diastasis recti, which is the separation of abdominal muscles.
Next, we tackled my tailbone. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Friends where Joey is faced with kidney stones, you can imagine the options available for tailbone treatment. One method involves a therapist applying counter-pressure by going “up” the rectum to massage the bone back into alignment. While it was uncomfortable, I was desperate for relief.
During the examination, the therapist informed me that my tailbone was tilted inward. I had assumed the pressure from childbirth pushed it back, but she explained that it was likely pulled inward during the pushing phase, when my legs were curled up and my knees were held close.
After the adjustment, my pain lessened, but I still had some homework to do: Kegels. “Really? That’s going to help my tailbone?” I asked, a bit skeptical. She assured me that strengthening the entire pelvic floor would alleviate pressure and prevent future injuries.
The most crucial advice she offered was to avoid sitting directly on my tailbone whenever possible—a real challenge for a new mom glued to the couch for nursing sessions. She suggested several hacks to manage the discomfort:
- Sit on a backward Boppy or a specially designed cushion like the Tush Cush to keep the tailbone elevated.
- Use a heating pad while nursing or resting.
- Choose firm seating options over soft ones to avoid sinking.
- Maintain good posture—sitting straight or leaning forward helps, while slouching increases pressure.
I took her advice to heart and made adjustments—carrying rolled-up towels with me wherever I went, even in the car. After a few more sessions of therapy, where, let’s just say, things got a little personal, the discomfort gradually faded. By week 15, I noticed a significant reduction in pain, although I occasionally felt a dull ache in my tailbone if I sat incorrectly. It’s a constant reminder that our bodies may never fully return to their pre-baby state.
I know that if you’re expecting, the last thing you want is to hear about another potential complication. But the reality is that every labor experience is unique, and the aftermath can bring unexpected challenges. If you find yourself facing similar issues, consider these tips or consult a pelvic floor PT specialist. You deserve to feel better, mamas!
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In summary, postpartum recovery can be a wild ride filled with unexpected issues. But with the right support and information, you can navigate the challenges and reclaim your comfort.
Keyphrase: pelvic floor therapy for postpartum recovery
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