Why we need to start talking about postpartum incontinence

Just because postpartum incontinence is common, that doesn’t mean we should just deal with it.

By Megan Anderson, ConfidenceClub Ambassador 

As most new mums would agree, the post-birth rollercoaster ride has its fair share of surprises. Some we are told about – like sore breasts, painful cramps, and extreme fatigue – in antenatal classes and appointments with our midwives. After the birth of my daughter, however, postpartum incontinence was one problem I had never heard about until I started experiencing it myself.

Despite the fact that one in three women will develop postpartum urinary incontinence, there is a severe lack of information available on the condition. While antenatal classes cover everything from how to overcome blocked milk ducts to getting your stomach muscles back to what they were pre-pregnancy, they hardly whisper a word about your pelvic floor and why it’s a big deal.

For an issue already shrouded in stigma, the silence leaves many women feeling alone, embarrassed, and completely in the dark during what can be an already challenging time in their lives. After personally facing incontinence after my first baby, I got a crash course in how tough it can be – and why suffering in silence isn’t the way to go.

Postpartum incontinence shouldn’t be ignored

Postpartum incontinence often happens because your pelvic floor muscles and tissues become stretched and weakened during childbirth. This leaves them unable to hold pressure against your bladder and urethra, leading to unexpected leaks.

While some women find that their postpartum incontinence only lasts a few weeks, it can linger for months or even years post-birth if left untreated. The post-baby period can already be a wild ride for new parents both physically and emotionally, so it’s no surprise that the idea of seeking help can feel pretty overwhelming. 

However, the stigma surrounding incontinence also plays a huge role in stopping people from seeking help. Many women feel embarrassed about their condition, which can lead to a wide range of psychological impacts such as depression, anxiety, social isolation, and body image problems.

Just because postpartum incontinence is common, that doesn’t mean we should just deal with it. Knowing your options and addressing the problem is crucial to taking care of your mental and physical health in both the short and long term.

Take charge of your pelvic floor health

The best way to tackle continence is to be proactive about it. That’s why working with a pelvic floor physio during pregnancy or right after childbirth is like having a secret weapon in your corner, helping you manage incontinence from the get-go.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be exacerbated by many different factors throughout the labouring experience, such as prolonged second-stage labour and the use of a vacuum or forceps. A good pelvic floor physio will understand your unique pelvic floor needs and work with you to address the specific concerns you have post-birth. Treatments commonly include both in-clinic and at-home exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and minimise the effects of incontinence.

Finding the right incontinence products

When many people picture incontinence gear, they usually think of those bulky pads or grandma-style diapers designed for elderly people. This misconception is why so many people living with incontinence don’t give these life-changing products a shot – products that can give them back their confidence and comfort.

After giving birth, I was using regular panty liners to ‘protect’ myself during leaks – but they weren’t very absorbent, and I instead ended up washing multiple pairs of underwear every day. If I had known there were products specifically for postpartum incontinence at the time, it would have given me more confidence (and saved loads of washing).

The right continence management products are designed for the postpartum body, so they are comfortable while still providing the right level of protection. There are options that are completely undetectable under clothes, so you never have to worry about feeling insecure when out of the house. Importantly, like any other form of online shopping, they can be ordered discreetly online from Australian providers like ConfidenceClub and delivered to your door, so you don’t need to feel awkward while shopping in-store.

Of course, incontinence products won’t make the problem vanish, but they’re a fantastic way to handle it day-to-day while you’re working with your physio to build back your pelvic floor strength. For many people – myself included – it’s a way to get back to life without being bogged down by incontinence worries.

With so many women out there dealing with postpartum incontinence, it’s high time we start talking openly about treatment and management options. Shedding some light on the matter empowers women to regain control of their continence and live life comfortably and confidently, just as they should.