When you’re expecting a baby, the list of unpleasant experiences during labor and delivery can feel overwhelming. You prepare yourself for the possibility of vomiting, back pain, and the infamous moment of pushing when you might, well, poop. You brace for what’s often described as “the most excruciating pain of your life.”
What I didn’t anticipate was the excruciating pain in my tailbone, or as the doctors call it, the coccyx (try pronouncing that correctly!). After giving birth, everything down there felt like a fiery ball of discomfort, but the tailbone pain persisted long after the other postpartum aches faded away. Certain positions—sitting, leaning back, even lying down—sent shocks of agony racing up my spine. As a new mom, those positions were unavoidable during long feeding sessions, pumping, or trying to catch a few precious moments of sleep. Even the simplest actions like sneezing or laughing felt like a minefield (and trust me, “laughing my ass off” took on a new meaning).
Like many millennial moms, I turned to the Internet for answers. While I discovered that tailbone pain post-delivery is fairly common, the forums only heightened my anxiety. Women shared tales of enduring this pain for months or even a year, with no real solutions other than waiting for the bone to heal on its own. I began to fear I would be stuck in this agony indefinitely.
At my six-week postpartum appointment, I finally got to discuss my tailbone issues with my doctor. To my surprise, she suggested postpartum physical therapy. “That exists?” I asked, feeling both relieved and intrigued.
Indeed, it does! According to reputable sources, the pelvic floor comprises a group of muscles that stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone, functioning like a supportive hammock for our vital organs. This area can stretch up to 2.5 times its length during childbirth, often leading to weakness and dysfunction in nearly half of women post-delivery.
Pelvic floor therapy can address various issues, including pelvic pain, urinary concerns, and bowel problems, through hands-on treatments, neuromuscular re-education, and postural adjustments. I assumed my first PT visit would focus solely on my tailbone, but it turned out to be so much more. Pregnancy and childbirth can disrupt everything from bowel movements to intimacy; nothing feels quite the same afterward.
During my session, the therapist conducted a thorough evaluation, assessing my hip and spine alignment, posture, abdomen, and, well, everything in between. It was reassuring to rule out other common postpartum issues like diastasis recti, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles.
When we finally addressed my tailbone, it felt reminiscent of a scene from Friends where Joey faces a tough choice about kidney stones. I had two options: endure a rather intimate internal examination or continue suffering. Desperate for relief, I chose the former. The therapist discovered that my tailbone was tilted inward rather than pushed backward as I had assumed. It appeared that the pushing phase of labor had pulled it inward when I curled my legs up.
While the initial realignment still hurt, the pain lessened significantly afterward. My therapist also assigned me “homework”—kegel exercises. Skeptical, I asked how that could possibly help my tailbone. She explained that strengthening the pelvic floor muscles as a whole would alleviate pressure and prevent future injuries.
Her main advice was to minimize sitting as much as possible. I protested, explaining how difficult that is as a new mom who spends a lot of time nursing. She suggested practical adjustments to manage the discomfort:
- Keep the tailbone elevated when seated using a backwards Boppy, a kneeler pad with a hole cut out, or rolled towels. There’s even a product called the Tush Cush available for this purpose.
- Use a heating pad while nursing or resting.
- Sit on firm surfaces to avoid sinking into softer ones.
- Maintain good posture—sit straight or lean forward, avoiding slouching to reduce pressure.
I took her advice to heart, carrying two rolled towels with me everywhere I sat, even in the car. With two additional sessions of therapy and the changes I made, the pain gradually subsided. By the time I reached week 15, I noticed my tailbone wasn’t constantly throbbing. Now, nearly 10 months postpartum, I still occasionally feel a dull ache when I sit just wrong—a reminder that our bodies may never fully return to “normal” after giving birth.
I understand that if you’re pregnant, the last thing you want to hear is another unpleasant side effect. However, the unpredictability of labor means you might face unexpected challenges in your recovery. If you’re struggling with tailbone pain or any similar issue after childbirth, consider reaching out to a pelvic floor specialist. You deserve to be comfortable and thrive as a new mom.
For more insights on navigating the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood, you can explore additional resources on at-home insemination kits and their effectiveness, as well as find expert advice on fertility journeys at Make a Mom. Plus, for a comprehensive overview of pregnancy, check out NICHD.
Summary
Pelvic floor therapy can effectively address unexpected pain, such as tailbone discomfort, that arises after childbirth. Through specialized treatments and practical adjustments, new moms can find relief and reclaim comfort in their daily lives. Don’t suffer in silence; seeking help is a crucial step toward recovery.
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