How to take back control of your bladder after giving birth
Recently, moms from California to Maine read, commented, and shared a Cosmopolitan article about the seemingly untold story of postpartum injuries that can debilitate women for years. The worst part? So many women experience some kind of postpartum injury and most of these injuries are left untreated.
Whether you call it the sneeze-pees, a weak bladder, or urinary leakage, there is a longstanding myth that after you give birth, it’s normal to leak urine while running, picking up your kids, or during your regular grocery trip. Maybe forever. But the truth is, many women suffer from undiagnosed muscle tears and strains, pelvic bone fractures, and more that can result in a loss of feeling and control of the pelvic floor muscles that help us control our urge to use the bathroom.
If you’ve ever brought up the topic with your girlfriends, chances are about half of them experienced (or are still experiencing) postpartum leakage at some point. I can’t tell you how many women have come into our office exhausted and defeated by their inability to control their bladder and bowel functions, only to find out that a few simple exercises, repeated diligently over time, can help dramatically.
Most women are surprised to learn that these exercises are easier than a trip to the gym, like [Insert effective exercise examples here]. There are also exercises that are commonly recommended that might actually be causing you more harm than good – more on that here.
Let it be known by momma’s across the globe: You do not have to live with the “sneeze-pees” for the rest of your life.
I asked one of our clients about her experience with pelvic floor PT, this is what she had to say:
“Now, instead of walking around dehydrated to try to prevent leakage (which didn’t work), I know exactly what to do about it, I’m motivated to do it, and I’m drinking more water than I ever have. It’s empowering to know that my body can be retrained if I stick with the program, which is just like any other fitness routine except it’s easier to do.”
I wish there was a way for us to reach out to every single woman who experiences leakage after giving birth, if for no other reason than to tell them that they aren’t alone and that it’s not something to be ashamed of. It is encouraging to see articles like the one in Cosmo get shared so heavily, and I think women are starting to open up about their postpartum struggles. But, we still have a long way to go before the prompt and effective treatment for postpartum injuries are the norm and not the exception.
If postpartum leakage is something you’re currently struggling with, it might be time to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with a PT who specializes in pelvic floor health.