The shame and fear surrounding postpartum symptoms have gone unchecked for far too long. As a pelvic floor physical therapist and athletic mom, I'm here to dismantle the myth that leaking, coning, or feeling heaviness means you've done something wrong or caused permanent damage.

When we rehabilitate any other body part, we deliberately provoke symptoms within reasonable limits to build strength. Yet somehow, we've created a culture where postpartum women are told to avoid anything that triggers the slightest symptom—a standard that would be considered absurd in other rehabilitation contexts. Your symptoms aren't failures; they're valuable feedback about your body's current thresholds.

Think about it: you wouldn't expect to be symptom-free while recovering from surgery, so why do we place this impossible standard on postpartum bodies? Recovery isn't linear. You'll have good days and challenging days, but what matters is the overall trajectory of improvement. When you haven't jumped for 10 months, your body needs time to recalibrate—your center of gravity has changed, your joints feel different, and your pelvic floor must relearn how to respond.

The real issue isn't about avoiding symptoms but understanding your personal comfort with them. Some women don't mind a little leaking during runs if it means maintaining their fitness routine, while others prefer a more conservative approach. Problems arise when there's a mismatch between your risk tolerance and your healthcare provider's outlook. If you're ready to push boundaries while your provider focuses only on restrictions, it creates unnecessary frustration and shame.

Remember: you're making decisions with the information available to you right now. If symptoms appear, you haven't ruined anything—you've simply discovered where your current threshold lies. And I promise that threshold will change as you heal and strengthen. Want to feel empowered rather than fearful in your postpartum fitness journey? Subscribe to Barbell Mamas for guidance that respects both your body's needs and your athletic goals.

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