Am I the only one suffering stress incontinence?

[michiko]

I am doing all the recommended pelvic floor exercises, all was well until week 5. I'm managing the running but the leakage(!) is embarassing.

[TJFlute]

I haven't suffered with this personally, but I definitely recommend a trip to the doctor to see what can be done to help.

[Dansmum Graduate]

No you're not!! I always use 'protection' so to speak. However, I'm finding as the weeks go on the problem is getting less, either because things are firming up or my muscles are taking all my excess fluid....

[michiko]

Thanks for the replies. I'm pleased to hear that the problem is getting less, that gives me some hope and encouragement! I am booked to see the doctor tomorrow.

[gillf]

You are definitely not alone! A recent survey of new mothers by the author and broadcaster Janey Lee Grace showed that half had probelms with stress incontinence - that's leaking when you exercise, cough etc. Just 'doing pelvic floor' exercises is a total waste of time and most GPs don't help because they just give you a sheet of exercises to follow - also a waste of time for many reasons. Your GP should prescribe the PelvicToner - it's the only clinically proven exercise device available on prescription - and most users notice an improvement in a couple of weeks. We are so appalled at the lack of help for new mums that we have started a Facebook campaign. Please support us at New Mothers Deserve Better. If your GP wants more information direct him/her to pelvictoner.info

[Skandia Graduate]

Definately not alone. I have to make sure I go before I leave home, and wear protection

Some days I am just desperate to get home.

Balancing keeping hydrated with an empty bladder is tricky!

[bexblonde Graduate]

The very best thing you can do is squats - I started doing squats recently (having given birth to my second baby) and they make a huge, huge difference! One of my friends told me to do them as she had read they were as effective, if not more so, than pelvic floor exercises and they're definitely easier to remember to do!

I cannot recommend doing squats enough! It seriously helps

[Nevertoolate Graduate in reply to bexblonde]

I know this is a stupid question, but can you describe how to do the squats? I imagine it's just bending at the knees as far as you can.

[bexblonde Graduate]

Yes, on my exercise dvd it's described as bending your knees and lowering yourself as if you are going to sit on a chair behind you.

There's quite a good vid on youtube that shows you how to do it: youtube.com/watch?v=QKKZ9AG...(Not working as expected?)

[Nevertoolate Graduate in reply to bexblonde]

Thanks for that - it looks simple enough, but I'm not sure how my knees would take it. If this works for stress incontinence I'm for starting them now to prevent it in the future. Thanks again.