Pelvic Floor Considerations for Lactation
In this 5 hour, self-paced continuing education course, you’ll learn how pelvic floor function influences lactation, how to screen for core and pelvic dysfunction in lactating clients, and how to collaborate with interdisciplinary providers to support recovery and feeding outcomes.
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just impact birth and postpartum recovery
Learn to identify the signs of pelvic floor and core dysfunction that may interfere with lactation, understand how birth-related trauma can impact posture and pain, and integrate pelvic-informed strategies into your practice.
Ready to get started?
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the major anatomical structures of the pelvic floor and their primary functions in the postpartum body.
- Describe the physiological changes that occur in the pelvic floor during pregnancy and postpartum, and how they may influence lactation.
- Explain the impact of labor and birth trauma on pelvic floor function and its relationship to lactation success or challenges.
- Recognize common postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction that may interfere with comfortable positioning and effective breastfeeding.
- List the signs and symptoms indicating a need for referral to a pelvic health therapist during lactation.
- Demonstrate appropriate language and trauma-informed approaches for discussing pelvic health with lactating clients.
- Describe how interdisciplinary collaboration between lactation consultants and pelvic health providers improves postpartum care outcomes.
HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE
RECORDED VIDEO Lessons
PDF Downloads
exercise video library
Let's Look Inside the Course
We know this might be a new area of learning for many providers, which is why this CE course is completely self-paced. You’ll have access to the content for 6 months, giving you the flexibility to revisit the material, absorb the concepts at your own pace, and begin applying pelvic-informed care confidently in your practice.
Module One (2 minutes)
Course Information
- Introduction
- Disclosures
- Learning objectives
Module two (1 hour 49 minutes)
Pelvic Health Foundations for Lactation Support
- Strategies for Before Conception and During Pregnancy to Prepare for Postpartum Pelvic Health
- Lactation Screening for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Postpartum Therapy
- Understanding Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy
- Understanding Postpartum Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation
Module three (1 hour 1 minute)
Supporting the Pelvic Floor During Lactation
- Understanding Pelvic Floor Health During Lactation
- Breastfeeding Positions for Pelvic Floor Support
Module four (1 hour 38 minutes)
Whole-Body Wellness for the Lactating Parent
- Navigating Intimacy and Lactation
- Exercise, Movement, and Pelvic Health While Lactating
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Considerations for Pelvic Floor Health During Lactation
Module five (33 minutes)
Clinical Integration and Practical Application
- Special Considerations and Case Studies
- Practical Applications and Course Wrap-Up
- Video Exercise Library
Pelvic floor health is often overlooked in lactation care
but it plays a critical role in postpartum recovery and feeding comfort
Course Instructor
Dr. Sydney Curls, PT, DPT
Dr. Sydney Curls is a Pelvic Physical Therapist and Pelvic Health Coach specializing in supporting women across fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. She combines clinical expertise with evidence-based approaches to help clients address pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, and postpartum recovery.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Curls educates health and fitness professionals on integrating pelvic floor health into their work, providing practical tools and knowledge to enhance client care. Her teaching emphasizes individualized, holistic approaches
that empower professionals to support women’s health across the reproductive continuum.
Instructor Disclosures
AOTA Approved Provider
Enroll NowFrequently Asked Questions
What makes this course different from other pelvic health courses?
Unlike traditional pelvic health courses that focus solely on incontinence or musculoskeletal rehab, this course bridges the gap between pelvic floor function and lactation, highlighting how core recovery, posture, and birth trauma directly impact feeding. It’s designed specifically for lactation and postpartum providers seeking practical, interdisciplinary tools they can integrate right away.
Who is this course intended for?
- Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OT & OTA)
- Speech Language Pathologist (SLP & SLP-A)
- Physical Therapy Practitioners (PT & PTA)
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)
- and other professionals interested in working with this specialty population
Are there prerequisites for this course?
There are no required prerequisites.
Can I count this course towards my 90 hours of lactation-specific education?
Absolutely! Please review the IBCLC Commission page for further details on lactation-specific education hours. To receive credit for completion, the course must be completed with 100% watch time and each participant will need to complete a post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% to ensure all learning objectives are met.
Information about AOTA CEUs
This course is approved for 0.xx AOTA CEUs for occupational therapy professionals
Participants will be required to:
- Complete the course in its entirety (100% of the course watched)
- Complete a multiple-choice post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% (untimed test)
Information about ASHA CEUs
This course will not have CEUs directly submitted to ASHA. You will receive a certificate of completion and can use the CEUs towards the 30 PDHs required for each 3-year certification.
Information for Physical Therapists
This course is approved for 0.xx CEUs through the California PT Association. You will need to check with your individual state for online course requirements.
How long will I have access to the course?
6 months from the purchase date.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Refunds must be requested within 14 days of purchase by emailing [email protected]. A full refund is available if no modules have been started. A partial refund is available once ANY portion of the course has been viewed. The amount refunded is at the sole discretion of The Lactation OT LLC. There is no refund available after 14 days of purchase OR if module one has been completed. Recipients will receive acknowledgment of refund requests within 3 business days. If the request is valid per the terms listed above, the refund will be processed within 7 business days. If for any reason the course is canceled by The Lactation OT before the course is started, a full refund will be provided.
How do I request special accommodation?
Please send us an email at [email protected] at least 14 days before starting the course with further details of your request.
AOTA CEU Temp Block
Supporting lactation isn’t just about the latch—it’s about the whole body, including the often-overlooked pelvic floor.
When you understand how core recovery, posture, and birth-related trauma affect feeding comfort, you can provide more holistic, effective care.
As you expand your knowledge and build confidence in pelvic-informed lactation support, you’ll elevate your clinical practice—and better support parents in their healing and feeding journeys.
check out other maternal health courses
Functional Nutrition for Reflux, Digestion, Gut Dysbiosis, and
Food Allergies
1.2 ASHA CEUs, 1.2 AOTA CEUs
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Maternal Health Foundations: Supporting Birth, Breastfeeding, and Postpartum Recovery
0.5 AOTA CEU
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