Soreness. Cramps. Sleepless nights. There are many things that we’re told about the postpartum experience, but incontinence often isn’t one of them. When I discovered that one in three women experience postpartum urinary incontinence, I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t heard about it before.
The truth is that a lack of information about postpartum incontinence leaves many women feeling isolated, embarrassed, and unsure of their options. Antenatal classes will often talk about the importance of strengthening the stomach muscles post-birth, but the topic of strengthening your pelvic floor and why it’s so important is often overlooked.
After experiencing incontinence following the birth of my first child, I discovered how hard it can be to manage on your own – and why you shouldn’t be expected to simply grin and bear it.
Postpartum incontinence shouldn’t be ignored
Postpartum incontinence commonly occurs due to the pelvic floor muscles and tissues becoming stretched and disconnected during childbirth. This causes the pelvic floor to weaken to the point where it is unable to hold enough pressure on the bladder and urethra, resulting in involuntary urination.
For some women, incontinence may naturally subside in the weeks after childbirth as the pelvic floor muscles and tissues begin to repair and tighten. However, this isn’t always the case and many women find themselves dealing with incontinence for months or even years post-birth.
The postpartum period is already such a sensitive and busy time for new parents that the thought of getting help can be overwhelming and extremely daunting. Add to this the fact that stigma surrounding incontinence means that 34% of Australians don’t talk about it with family and friends, and it’s easy to see why so many new mums struggle to seek help with the issue.
While it may be very common for women to experience incontinence following childbirth, that doesn’t mean we just have to deal with it. There is a wide range of options available to support a woman’s journey back to continence, and the best thing we can do for ourselves is start this process as soon as possible.
Be proactive about your pelvic floor care
The best approach to continence management is a proactive approach. For this reason, working with a pelvic floor physio during pregnancy and directly after giving birth is a great way to ensure you have all the support and guidance you need to minimise the chances of incontinence.
A good physio will be able to create a care plan and provide you with a wide range of information to support you on your continence journey. Every birth and body is different, so having a plan that caters to your specific pelvic floor needs is essential. Depending on your needs, your physio should be able to provide in-person physiotherapy sessions as well as at-home pelvic floor exercises.
Finding the right incontinence products
One of the biggest things I wish I’d known before giving birth was about incontinence products for women. When most people think of incontinence management products, they think of bulky pads or adult diapers designed for people over the age of 80. This misconception is why so many people living with incontinence don’t access the products that could change their lives and give them back the confidence and comfort they need.
l was only using panty liners after giving birth, which were not very absorbent – if I had known there were products specifically for postpartum incontinence at the time, it would have given me more confidence and saved me washing several pairs of underwear! Importantly, like any other form of online shopping, these products can be ordered discreetly online from Australian providers like ConfidenceClub and delivered to your door, removing any embarrassment or discomfort of buying them in-person.
While continence management products don’t solve incontinence, they are a great way to manage the problem day-to-day. For many people, it offers a renewed sense of confidence knowing that they can get back to their lives with their continence needs taken care of.
With so many women suffering from postpartum incontinence, it’s essential that we start talking openly and honestly about treatment and management options. By shining a light on the issue, we can empower women to take control of their continence and start living comfortably and confidently once again.