199- Returning to Running Postpartum // When Is It Safe & How Do You Know You're Ready?

One of the most common questions new moms ask is: "When can I start running again after having a baby?" The answer isn't always as simple as being cleared at your six-week postpartum appointment. Running places significant demands on your pelvic floor, core, hips, and entire body. While many women are eager to return to the activities they love, returning too quickly—or without a plan—can contribute to symptoms such as leaking, pelvic pressure, heaviness, pain, or feelings of instability. In this episode, Dr. Des breaks down what postpartum women should consider before returning to running, common signs your body may need more preparation, and practical strategies to help you return safely and confidently. Whether you're six weeks postpartum, six months postpartum, or several years postpartum and still struggling with symptoms while running, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Explore: 🏃‍♀️ Why running is more demanding than many women realize 🏃‍♀️ Why "cleared" doesn't always mean "ready" 🏃‍♀️ Common signs your body may need more preparation before running 🏃‍♀️ Pelvic floor symptoms to watch for 🏃‍♀️ Strength and movement benchmarks before returning to impact 🏃‍♀️ How to safely progress back into running 🏃‍♀️ The role of core, glute, and pelvic floor strength 🏃‍♀️ Common mistakes women make when returning to running postpartum Why This Matters Returning to running is not simply about waiting for tissues to heal. It's about rebuilding strength, pressure management, endurance, coordination, and impact tolerance. A thoughtful progression can help reduce symptoms, build confidence, and create a stronger foundation for long-term success. The Big Takeaway Your body isn't behind. You don't need to rush. Running is a progression—not a milestone. With the right preparation and support, you can return to running feeling strong, confident, and connected to your body. Need Support? Inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App and RESTORE, you'll find guided strength training, core and pelvic floor programming, mobility work, and education designed to help women return to exercise safely and confidently. ✨ Learn more here: https://balancedmomtality.com/the-app If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who is wondering whether she's truly ready to run again. 💛🏃‍♀️ Want a Guided Healing and Rehab Program to Help You Reconnect and RESTORE? If you’re ready to rebuild your core and pelvic floor with a structured, step-by-step plan, check out RESTORE, my 12-week pelvic floor and core rehabilitation program inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App. Inside RESTORE you’ll learn how to: ✔ release tension and improve mobility ✔ reconnect breath and pelvic floor coordination ✔ strengthen your core safely ✔ progress back to lifting, running, and higher-impact activities All with guided lessons, workouts, and support from a pelvic floor physical therapist. Inside RESTORE you’ll get: ✔️ 12 weeks of progressive breathwork, mobility & strength ✔️ 5- and 20-minute workouts to fit your life ✔️ Deep pelvic floor education (with zero fluff) ✔️ Real-life tools to reduce pain, improve leaks, and feel like YOU again ✔️ Access to our private community and support Inside RESTORE, we cover: Breathwork + pelvic floor connection Mobility + posture Nervous system regulation Core control + strength building Real-life application to everyday movement And how to stop leaking, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling disconnected from your core You’ll walk away from RESTORE with clarity, confidence, and a body you trust again. JOIN RESTORE NOW FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO LESSONS AND EXERCISES!!  JOIN NOW AND SAVE %50!! https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/checkout/86181d29-9811-4a33-80df-a82de21fa8fe Or  💎 Learn More About RESTORE below, my 12-week program that walks you step by step through pelvic floor and core healing — so you can stop leaking, reduce prolapse symptoms, and feel strong again.  https://balancedmomtality.com/rest