I can’t even have my daughter sit on my lap

I had my daughter 13 months ago via emergency c section. The pain was so bad after I had laparoscopic surgery about 6 months after. I’m still in so much pain. Like I can’t even have my daughter sit on my lap. Sometimes it hurts for no reason. I’m extremely angry and over everything. What now?

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Niki Rarig, ND, LAc

I am sorry to hear you have been in so much pain since your daughter was born. Sometimes pelvic pain can persist even after endometriosis lesions have been removed, which can be extremely frustrating. There are many factors that can contribute to chronic pelvic pain, including trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles and central sensitization (changes in the nervous system that cause increased sensitivity to pain). Some treatments that have been shown to improve chronic pelvic pain in people with endometriosis include acupuncture, pelvic floor physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques. Finding an acupuncturist, pelvic floor physical therapist, and mental health specialist who are familiar with endometriosis may be extremely helpful for your long-term pain management. I hope you are able to find the care you need to get some relief very soon.

Dr Jus - Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

First, I want to say—I hear you, and your pain is real. You’ve been through a physically and emotionally traumatic experience, and it’s completely valid to feel angry and overwhelmed when you’re still dealing with this level of pain over a year postpartum.

Pain after a C-section, especially one that led to laparoscopic surgery later on, can be multifactorial. You may be dealing with scar tissue adhesions, nerve sensitivity, core and pelvic floor dysfunction, or even something like endometriosis, which can be triggered or worsened by pregnancy and surgery.

The fact that it hurts even when your daughter sits on your lap tells me your body is guarding—meaning your nervous system is on high alert and may be interpreting touch or pressure as pain. This can happen when there’s been prolonged trauma or when your body hasn’t had the chance to heal with the right support.

As a pelvic floor therapist, my first recommendation is to get evaluated by someone who specializes in postpartum recovery—especially one familiar with post-C-section rehabilitation. A thorough assessment would look at:

Scar mobility and tissue restrictionCore muscle engagement and diastasis rectiPelvic floor muscle tension or weaknessNerve involvement or hypersensitivityHow you move and carry your child daily

Healing is possible, but it requires a team approach. You may need pelvic floor therapy, a skilled manual therapist for scar work, and possibly a referral to a trauma-informed counselor if the emotional toll is starting to weigh you down—which is common and nothing to be ashamed of.

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