The LABOR of Love: Part 3
The “ Comeback”
Motherhood is often celebrated for the beauty of pregnancy and birth, but far less attention is given to what comes after — the fourth trimester. At The Victory Club in Hammond, we believe postpartum recovery deserves just as much preparation and support as pregnancy itself. As a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor and postpartum rehabilitation, I’ve seen firsthand how misunderstood this season can be. The narrative often focuses on “bouncing back,” but true recovery is not about returning to who you were before pregnancy — it’s about rebuilding strength, restoring function, and honoring the transformation your body has undergone.
Pregnancy and delivery create significant physical changes, particularly within the pelvic floor and core system. During a vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles can stretch up to two to three times their resting length. That level of stretch is comparable to a major muscle injury, yet many women are expected to resume daily life without structured rehabilitation. Postpartum physical therapy in Hammond should be a standard part of care — not a luxury. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps address core weakness, incontinence, pain, pressure symptoms, and the disconnect many women feel in their bodies after birth. Recovery is not just about aesthetics; it’s about restoring proper muscle activation, pressure management, and long-term function.
One of the biggest shifts we discuss at Victory is redefining the idea of a “comeback.” In both athletics and motherhood, there can be pressure to return to previous performance levels quickly. But postpartum recovery requires patience and intention. Strength after pregnancy may look different — and that’s okay. Healing isn’t linear, and it shouldn’t be rushed. Whether the goal is returning to competitive sport, getting back into the gym, or simply feeling confident lifting your baby without discomfort, postpartum physical therapy provides a roadmap grounded in anatomy and evidence-based care.
Beyond the physical changes, there is also matrescence — the identity transformation that occurs when a woman becomes a mother. This transition can bring body image challenges, emotional shifts, and uncertainty about where you fit in your own life again. At The Victory Club, we believe honoring womanhood means supporting both the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum recovery. Pregnancy changes your body, but it also reshapes your priorities, goals, and sense of self. Finding your own journey — not comparing it to someone else’s — is a powerful part of healing.
If you are navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or pelvic floor concerns in Hammond, know that you do not have to figure it out alone. Physical therapy tailored to women’s health can help you safely rebuild strength, restore confidence, and move forward with clarity. At Victory, we don’t focus on bouncing back — we focus on moving forward with purpose, education, and sustainable strength. Your body did something extraordinary. It deserves care that reflects that.
Want the longer version of this conversation? Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Youtube🎙️
