Regaining Confidence

Becoming a mum is one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences, but it’s also full of challenges that no one really prepares you for. One of those challenges for me was postpartum urinary incontinence. I’ll admit, it wasn’t something I expected—or wanted to talk about. But the truth is, it’s incredibly common, and I want you to know you’re not alone.

If you’re struggling with bladder control after childbirth, I’ve been there. It can feel frustrating, even embarrassing at times, but I promise you, there are solutions that truly work. In this post, I’ll share what helped me, both as someone who’s been through it and as a professional who works with women facing similar struggles.

---

Why Does This Happen?

Let’s start with the “why.” During pregnancy and childbirth, your body goes through incredible changes. For me, the strain on my pelvic floor muscles was the main culprit. These muscles are like a hammock, supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel. After carrying a baby for nine months and going through a vaginal delivery, it’s no wonder they were stretched and weakened.

Childbirth itself, especially if it’s long or complicated, can really take a toll. In my case, it wasn’t just the delivery—it was the hormonal changes, the exhaustion, and even the emotional adjustment to my new role as a mum.

---

Types of Postpartum Incontinence

If you’re experiencing bladder leaks, you’re likely dealing with one (or a mix) of these:

1. Stress incontinence: Leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or lift something heavy.
2. Urge incontinence: Feeling a sudden, overwhelming need to go to the toilet.

I experienced stress incontinence the most—it seemed like every sneeze or giggle came with an unwanted surprise.

---

What Helped Me

Getting through this wasn’t easy, but I can confidently say that these steps made all the difference.

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

When I first heard about Kegels, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think they’d make much of a difference. But once I got the hang of them, I started noticing small improvements after just a few weeks.

• Here’s how I started:
  • I identified my pelvic floor muscles by trying to stop the flow of urine midstream (only for testing, not regularly).
  • Then I practiced squeezing those muscles, holding for 5 seconds, and releasing.
  • I worked up to 10–15 repetitions, three times a day.

It took some practice, but those exercises really helped me regain some control.

---

2. The ME-BELLA Chair

Honestly, this was a game-changer for me. As a busy mum, finding time to do Kegels consistently was a struggle. The ME-BELLA chair was a solution I hadn’t even considered at first, but it ended up being exactly what I needed.

• What it does:
  • The ME-BELLA chair uses electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) to contract and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
  • In just 30 minutes, it does the work of 11,000 Kegel contractions—without any effort from me.

It’s non-invasive, painless, and incredibly effective. After a few sessions, I could already feel the difference, and it gave me the confidence to start being more active again.

---

3. Bladder Training

I also worked on retraining my bladder. This meant delaying trips to the bathroom by just a few minutes at first, then gradually increasing the time between visits. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me regain a sense of control.

---

4. Small Lifestyle Tweaks

Sometimes, it’s the little changes that make a big difference. I cut back on caffeine (as much as a sleep-deprived mum can!) and made sure to drink plenty of water without overdoing it. Staying hydrated helped me avoid irritation, and light exercises like walking kept me moving without putting extra strain on my pelvic floor.

---

Why This Matters

Dealing with postpartum incontinence isn’t just about stopping leaks—it’s about feeling like yourself again. For me, it was about getting back to running around with my little one without worrying about embarrassing accidents. It was about regaining the confidence to laugh freely and enjoy life as a new mum.

I know it can feel overwhelming, but the sooner you address it, the better you’ll feel.

---

You’re Not Alone

If you’re reading this and nodding along, please know you’re not alone. At Riverbanks Clinic, they see so many women going through this, and they’re ready to help. Whether you’re just starting with pelvic floor exercises or curious about trying the ME-BELLA chair, there’s no judgment—just support and solutions.

---

Take the First Step

You don’t have to live with postpartum incontinence. Take that first step toward regaining control and confidence. Book a consultation today at riverbanksclinic.co.uk/book or call us on 01582 762877. Let’s find the solution that works for you, so you can focus on enjoying life with your little one.

Subscribe to the blog

Get the latest articles sent straight to your inbox

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone Number

Where did you hear about us? *

Please select oneAdvertismentAnother ClientConferenceFacebookGooglePressRadioWebinar

I have read and agree to the privacy policy *

YES

 

Submit