Taking Control of Your Pelvic Health: A Guide For Moms

October 7, 2024

If you suffer from bladder leaks or other pelvic floor symptoms, and anyone – a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a friend, or a relative – has ever said to you, “You’re a mom, what do you expect?” this post is for you.

Nothing frustrates me more as a practitioner, someone dedicated to helping women, than when somebody comes in and tells me that a medical professional or even a friend or family member has said, “Well, you’re a mom. What do you expect? That’s normal. You’re a mom. You should be peeing your pants. You’re a mom. That’s what happens to all moms. That’s just your new way of life. Oh, you can’t jump on the trampoline? Join the other moms.”

Nothing frustrates me more than when somebody is told that and that’s been their belief system – that they just have to live with these bladder leaks, alter their lifestyle, and miss out on activities like jumping on the trampoline with their kids or grandkids. Many women feel they have to accept these changes just because they chose to be moms.

Being a mom does not mean that you have to live with bladder leaks, incontinence, prolapse issues, pain with sex, or pelvic pain of any nature. Let me say it again so it really hits home: Being a mom does not mean that you have to live with bladder leaks, incontinence issues, bowel issues, pelvic pain, pain with sex, or prolapse.

Being a mom is not an excuse to live with those issues. While being a mom may have put you in a position to develop some of these issues – due to the stress of pregnancy, the trauma of labor and delivery (whether vaginal birth or C-section), or the general stress of being a mom – it doesn’t mean you have to accept them. Other factors, such as being a woman, can also contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. We have a shorter urethra than men, which increases our risk of incontinence. Hormonal changes, menopause, and perimenopause also play a role.

As moms, we often face additional challenges: lack of sleep, poor diet, lack of exercise, and the demands of balancing work, spouses, partners, and other family members. These factors contribute to common pelvic floor issues among moms, but it doesn’t mean we have to live with them.

There are ways and strategies to manage these issues. As a mom of two kids, I’ve experienced these challenges firsthand. After the birth of my second child, I was diagnosed with a bladder prolapse. Despite doing all the right exercises and taking care of my pelvic health, I still faced this issue. Yet, I’ve managed my prolapse for 17 years without symptoms, thanks to adapting movements, managing stress, improving my sleep, and focusing on my diet.

Just because you’re a mom does not mean you have to live with these issues. There are treatments, options, and solutions available. The next time someone tells you that it’s normal to have pelvic floor issues because you’re a mom, tell them you’ve spoken to a pelvic floor PT, and it’s not normal. There is something you can do about it.

If you’re wondering what those solutions might be, check out some of our other videos on YouTube to learn more about taking control of your life and improving your pelvic health through exercise, movement, and simple strategies. These strategies don’t require much time but do require you to show up for yourself and get your body back on track.

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