Moms, peeing when you laugh is not normal in postpartum & this is why!

The Motherhood Kit

Send us a Text Message.

In motherhood, concerns may arise about urinary control. While many assume it's normal to experience leakage, Yamel and Dr. Katie Propst clarify that it's not. Urinary incontinence should not be accepted as an inevitable consequence of having children. Katie Propst, MD is a Urogynecologist and Assistant Professor of OB/GYN at USF Health who cares for women with pelvic floor disorders. This can range from women who are pregnant, postpartum, have never had a child or had a child years before that have issues with urinary or bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or other pelvic floor dysfunctions.

Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.

• This episode is powered by One Love Doula Services, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work.
• For more motherhood resources, join the private Motherhood Kit community.
• For pelvic floor therapist resources, check out Yamel’s recommendations:
  https://www.bloompelvictherapy.com
  https://pelvicsoul.com
  https://www.thehopedocs.org/meet-the-hope-docs

Urinary leakage in women can be caused by various factors, including stress urinary incontinence, hormonal changes, tissue damage during delivery, pelvic muscle dysfunction, weakening, and incomplete bladder emptying. These issues should not discourage women from having children.

Preventing Urinary Incontinence:
Consulting a pelvic floor therapist or urogynecologist is recommended for longstanding pelvic pain. Self-performing pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegel squeezes, can be cost-effective. To ensure correct technique, perform the squeeze midstream while urinating. Strengthen the muscles with Kegels and incorporate them during activities that trigger leakage. However, be mindful not to over-tense the muscles, as it can lead to spasms. Utilize belly breathing practices for relaxation.

Therapy vs. Surgery:
Dr. Propst doesn’t promote one over the other. Pelvic floor therapy can be for everyone and may be a great first choice of intervention for women who have urinary incontinence issues that are planning on having more children. If leakage doesn’t resolve itself in around six months, it may be time to start involving a specialist. While the topic of urinary dysfunction may be embarrassing for some, it’s still very common, and not a normal issue to deal with on your own.

What NOT To Do:
Avoid rushing into intense gym workouts as a solution. Traditional exercises can exacerbate leakage and impede healing, particularly when pelvic floor muscles are not fully functional after delivery. Remember that your body took 40 weeks to prepare for childbirth, and it requires ample time to readjust. Don't succumb to snap-back culture.

After seeking a physical therapist or urogynecologist and having an extensive examination, the healing plan will look different for every woman. It may involve relearning muscle activation for walking, posture, or running. Despite the taboo perception, there is no need for shame or limitation in living a fulfilling life.