Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation: The Postpartum Symptom Nobody Talks About

Episode Summary Many postpartum parents expect sleep deprivation and feeding challenges, but far fewer are warned about vaginal dryness, irritation, urinary symptoms, or discomfort with intimacy while breastfeeding. These symptoms are increasingly being described as Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL), a condition linked to the hormonal shifts that occur during lactation.

In this episode, Pamela sits down with pelvic health physiotherapist Professor Sinead Dufour to explore what’s happening in the body during the postpartum period and why so many breastfeeding parents experience changes in their pelvic and vaginal health.

Together, they discuss how the hormonal environment of lactation (particularly lower estrogen levels) can affect vaginal tissue, lubrication, and urinary comfort. They also talk about how these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed, leaving many parents feeling confused or unsupported.

This conversation normalizes an experience that is far more common than most people realize and offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating postpartum recovery while breastfeeding.

In This Episode

• What Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation is and why the term is gaining attention

• Why breastfeeding hormones can affect vaginal and urinary tissues

• Common symptoms, including dryness, irritation, pain with sex, and urinary discomfort

• How these symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed or overlooked

• The difference between normal postpartum healing and symptoms that need support

• Practical strategies that may improve comfort during the breastfeeding period

• The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in postpartum recovery

• When it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider

• Why pelvic health conversations need to be part of routine postpartum care

About the Guest

Sinead Dufour is an Associate Clinical Professor, Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, and a pelvic health physiotherapist who supports individuals through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and other pelvic health concerns. Her work focuses on helping people better understand their bodies while providing practical tools for healing, comfort, and long-term pelvic health.

Connect & Learn More:

Dr. Sinead Dufour, PhD:

Website: https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/sdufour

Instagram: @dr.sinead

Embodia: https://embodiaapp.com

Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC:

Website: www.brimfamilycare.com

Socials: @brim.familycare

Buy me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Margie Davenport, a leading Canadian researcher in perinatal physical activity and a professor at the University of Alberta. Dr. Davenport directs the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Research Program, where her work focuses on how movement, rest, and recovery affect parents and babies from preconception through the first year postpartum.

We begin by exploring how Dr. Davenport came to this work and why the postpartum period has long been under-researched despite being such a critical time for physical and mental health. From there, we dive into the newly released 2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep During the First Year Postpartum.

A major focus of this conversation is the relationship between exercise and breastfeeding. Dr. Davenport breaks down what the research actually shows about milk supply, milk quality, infant growth, injury risk, and the long-standing myths around lactic acid and “exercise ruining breast milk.” We also discuss nutrition, hydration, breast support during activity, and practical ways parents can move their bodies without pressure or unrealistic expectations.

We then zoom out to look at mental health and sleep. Dr. Davenport shares compelling evidence that even small amounts of physical activity in the early postpartum period are associated with meaningful reductions in postpartum depression and improvements in sleep quality. Importantly, this episode reinforces that postpartum recovery is not linear, not universal, and not something to rush.

This conversation is a grounding, evidence-based reminder that postpartum care must be individualized, compassionate, and supported at the family and societal level.

Dr. Margie Davenport – University of Alberta Exercise & Pregnancy Program

https://www.ksr.ualberta.ca/exerciseandpregnancy/

2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep During the First Year Postpartum https://csepguidelines.ca/postpartum/

General Information on Physical Activity During Pregnancy & Postpartum (Health Canada) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/physical-activity.html

Connect with host Pamela Tessmann

www.brimfamilycare.com

hello@brimfamilycare.com

If you value evidence-based conversations like this and want to support the ongoing work of Brim Lactation & Family Care and the Brimful podcast, you can do so here:

Buy Me a Coffee – Brim Lactation & Family Care https://buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

Your support helps keep thoughtful, research-informed conversations about infant feeding, mental health, and family care accessible.

The holidays can be a joyful - and challenging - time for parents of breastfed babies, especially when food reactivity is involved. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Trill from Free to Feed, an expert in supporting families navigating infant food sensitivities.

Dr. Trill walks us through:

• How to identify true food reactivity versus what might be latching difficulties
• What an elimination diet might look like
• Tips for managing your own nutrition and well-being
• Strategies to enjoy holiday meals without stress or guilt
• What to expect long-term This episode is full of evidence-backed, practical guidance to help you feel confident and supported. Be sure to share it with your support people or your friends and family who may be navigating these challenges.

Connect with Dr. Trill:

Website: https://www.freetofeed.com

Social Media: @free.to.feed

Connect with Pamela:

Website: www.brimfamilycare.com

Social Media: @brim.familycare Support The Brimful Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare