Postpartum Healing: What Your Doctor Wishes You Knew

By Dr. Melissa Lee-Agawa, Board-Certified OB/GYN

Confident postpartum woman smiling while playing with toddler

Giving birth changes everything. Your body. Your sense of self. Even your relationship with intimacy. And yet, after those early checkups, many women are left wondering what’s actually normal and what to do when recovery doesn't go as expected.

I’ve cared for thousands of women through the postpartum period, and one thing is clear. Many symptoms are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. You don’t need to wait it out. You don’t need to push through. You need real information and real options.

Here’s what I wish every woman knew about postpartum recovery, especially when it comes to pelvic health and intimacy.

1. Leaking Isn’t Something You Just Have to Live With

If you leak when you laugh, sneeze, or work out, you’re not alone. Many women experience urinary incontinence after childbirth. It’s common, but it’s also a signal that your pelvic floor muscles have been stretched or weakened.

Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels can help, but they often don’t go far enough. In our clinic, we support recovery with technology that retrains the muscles and improves control. These treatments are gentle and non-surgical, and they can make a big difference in daily confidence.

Left, postpartum pelvic floor; Right, healthy, rejuvenated pelvic floor

2. Pain or Discomfort During Intimacy Is a Medical Concern

After childbirth, intimacy may feel different. You might notice dryness, sensitivity, or a loss of sensation. These symptoms are often linked to hormonal shifts during breastfeeding, but they also stem from physical changes in the tissue itself.

If sex feels uncomfortable or disconnected, there are ways to help. We use treatments that improve blood flow and restore tissue health. When paired with pelvic floor support, many women experience noticeable improvement in both comfort and connection.

3. Recovery Is Better When It’s Comprehensive

Kegels are a good starting point, but most women benefit from a more complete approach. The postpartum body is healing in multiple ways, and that healing often requires more than one tool.

We combine therapies that address muscle tone, skin elasticity, and sensitivity. The treatment plan depends on your unique goals and symptoms. The goal is always the same: helping you feel stronger, supported, and more at home in your body again.

4. It’s Never Too Late to Feel Better

Whether you’re six weeks postpartum or six years, it’s not too late to address the changes you’ve been feeling. You may have been told to wait and see, or that it’s just part of motherhood. But you don’t have to settle for discomfort or silence.

You deserve care that listens, supports, and guides you through healing.

Let’s Talk About What Healing Can Really Look Like

At Grace & Glow MD, we believe postpartum care should extend beyond the early checkups. It should include support for your pelvic health, your sexual wellbeing, and your ability to feel fully present in your body.

If you're dealing with symptoms that interfere with your daily life or sense of self, we’re here to help you explore your options. This is personal, and you deserve care that honors that.

You’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re healing — and we’ll walk that path with you.

If you’re ready, book a consultation with Dr. Melissa Lee-Agawa to take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

Start Your Journey Here

Don’t just take it from us, hear from Nicole: