No leaking - stress of urge - but apparently a kanckered pelvic floor!
It seems the two muscles that are still "working" are doing such a good job, plus I have developed good "coping" mechanisms, such as automtically "bracing" before coughing or sneezing, that I don't experience a problem.
Thnak you Pilates for that small mercy!
The only reason that I realise that I DO have a problem is (and sorry to be graphic) is that I can no longer hold a tampon in properly - if I go to the loo and strain at all, it just pops out.
Thanks to Mumsnetters telling me that this was not normal, I did arrange a referral to see a physio and am finally getting "treatment". (Much delayed, first by waiting lists, then by pregnancy, then miscarriage, then not getting round to making a new appointment o)!). Ds is only 3.5!
It turns out that the forceps and/or the episiotomy (probably the former) caused some damage - or it could have been ds' weight (over 4kg) or his big head (91st centile). 4 out of the 6 muscles (if that is the best way to describe them) are wasted and I have lost the "cough" reflex.
The point is, the exercsies that I have been given are just the standard pelvic floor exercies - I am just having to do more of them, plus once a day, do them with a bit of "biofeedback" (o) - a wee pointer that moves the right way if you are doing them right - at the moment, I can only get it to move a tiny bit).
I had compensated in my Pilates class and had developed good abs (beneath the layer of fat!) and very strong "back" pelvic floor muscles. My technique is apprently fine, I breath properly - it's just 4 of the muscles are wasted.
I'll find out in 2 weeks time (ie 4 weeks after my first real appointment) if there is any improvement. I hope so! This is hard work - although I do try NOT to go cross eyed!