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S2 E7: Navigating the Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation with Dr. Sinead Dufour
Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation: The Postpartum Symptom Nobody Talks About
Episode Summary
Many postpartum parents expect sleep deprivation and feeding challenges, but far fewer are warned about vaginal dryness, irritation, urinary symptoms, or discomfort with intimacy while breastfeeding. These symptoms are increasingly being described as Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL), a condition linked to the hormonal shifts that occur during lactation.
In this episode, Pamela sits down with pelvic health physiotherapist Professor Sinead Dufour to explore what’s happening in the body during the postpartum period and why so many breastfeeding parents experience changes in their pelvic and vaginal health.
Together, they discuss how the hormonal environment of lactation (particularly lower estrogen levels) can affect vaginal tissue, lubrication, and urinary comfort. They also talk about how these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed, leaving many parents feeling confused or unsupported.
This conversation normalizes an experience that is far more common than most people realize and offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating postpartum recovery while breastfeeding.
In This Episode
What Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation is and why the term is gaining attention
Why breastfeeding hormones can affect vaginal and urinary tissues
Common symptoms, including dryness, irritation, pain with sex, and urinary discomfort
How these symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed or overlooked
The difference between normal postpartum healing and symptoms that need support
Practical strategies that may improve comfort during the breastfeeding period
The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in postpartum recovery
When it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider
Why pelvic health conversations need to be part of routine postpartum care
About the Guest
Sinead Dufour is an Associate Clinical Professor, Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, and a pelvic health physiotherapist who supports individuals through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and other pelvic health concerns. Her work focuses on helping people better understand their bodies while providing practical tools for healing, comfort, and long-term pelvic health.
Connect & Learn More:
Dr. Sinead Dufour, PhD:
Website: https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/sdufour
Instagram: @dr.sinead
Embodia: https://embodiaapp.com
Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC:
Website: www.brimfamilycare.com
Socials: @brim.familycare
Buy me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare
View all episodes
By Pamela TessmannGenitourinary Syndrome of Lactation: The Postpartum Symptom Nobody Talks About
Episode Summary
Many postpartum parents expect sleep deprivation and feeding challenges, but far fewer are warned about vaginal dryness, irritation, urinary symptoms, or discomfort with intimacy while breastfeeding. These symptoms are increasingly being described as Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL), a condition linked to the hormonal shifts that occur during lactation.
In this episode, Pamela sits down with pelvic health physiotherapist Professor Sinead Dufour to explore what’s happening in the body during the postpartum period and why so many breastfeeding parents experience changes in their pelvic and vaginal health.
Together, they discuss how the hormonal environment of lactation (particularly lower estrogen levels) can affect vaginal tissue, lubrication, and urinary comfort. They also talk about how these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed, leaving many parents feeling confused or unsupported.
This conversation normalizes an experience that is far more common than most people realize and offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating postpartum recovery while breastfeeding.
In This Episode
What Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation is and why the term is gaining attention
Why breastfeeding hormones can affect vaginal and urinary tissues
Common symptoms, including dryness, irritation, pain with sex, and urinary discomfort
How these symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed or overlooked
The difference between normal postpartum healing and symptoms that need support
Practical strategies that may improve comfort during the breastfeeding period
The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in postpartum recovery
When it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider
Why pelvic health conversations need to be part of routine postpartum care
About the Guest
Sinead Dufour is an Associate Clinical Professor, Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, and a pelvic health physiotherapist who supports individuals through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and other pelvic health concerns. Her work focuses on helping people better understand their bodies while providing practical tools for healing, comfort, and long-term pelvic health.
Connect & Learn More:
Dr. Sinead Dufour, PhD:
Website: https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/sdufour
Instagram: @dr.sinead
Embodia: https://embodiaapp.com
Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC:
Website: www.brimfamilycare.com
Socials: @brim.familycare
Buy me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare