In this episode, I’m diving into a part of postpartum recovery that affects so many women, yet is rarely explained in enough detail: perineal tearing and tissue healing after birth.

After delivering my son, Harlan, I was told I had sustained a deep second-degree tear. Even as a healthcare practitioner, I quickly realized there was so much I hadn’t fully appreciated about what was happening beneath the surface.

What actually tears during birth? Which muscles are involved? Why can everything look healed externally while still feeling weak, heavy, tight, numb, or uncomfortable? And what does being “cleared” at six weeks really mean?

In this episode, we explore:

• The anatomy of the perineum and pelvic floor
• The differences between first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree tears
• The muscles and connective tissues involved in a second-degree tear
• The inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of healing
• Why stitches can heal long before the tissue regains its strength
• Scar tissue formation and collagen remodeling
• Tingling, itching, burning, numbness, and other signs of nerve healing
• How low estrogen and breastfeeding hormones can affect postpartum tissues
• Why standing, walking, lifting, and pressure can feel different after birth
• The importance of breathing, pressure management, and gradual rehabilitation
• Why postpartum recovery continues for many months beyond the six-week checkup

I also share parts of my own recovery, including the heaviness I experienced while standing and the lesson that healing cannot always be measured by what we see on the outside.

This episode is not intended to create fear around birth or perineal tearing. It is about understanding the remarkable anatomy of the female body, respecting the time required for tissue repair, and giving postpartum women more realistic expectations for recovery.

Six weeks does not mean fully healed. Your body may continue rebuilding collagen, restoring muscle function, reorganizing scar tissue, and improving coordination for many months after birth.

Your body is not failing you. It is still healing.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.