Incontinence after birth

[Newmumagain25]

Hi all, I am 6 weeks postpartum and developed urinary incontinence after childbirth. This is my third child, I had epidurals with all 3 births and it happened with my son as well (almost 11 years ago), I am unsure if it was to do with the epidural or the trauma of birth (I had natural with all 3 and no interventions).
I am still wearing pants/pads all the time, Some days are better than others, unsure if it’s what I eat or drink during the day that makes it worse. Alcohol definitely makes it worse, even after one drink! Its so frustrating because it’s getting warmer now and I want to go on long walks with my daughter in a sling or her pram but it’s worse when I’m active and I need to make sure I’m near a toilet in case I leak through.. I feel like it is taking a lot longer to heal this time round! I am doing my pelvic floor exercises and that feels a lot stronger but I don’t think they are helping any more. I’v got a physio appointment next Thursday so I am hoping they can suggest something to speed up the healing so I can start to get back to normal! I just wondered if anyone had something similar, I don’t see many discussions about it and hoping to get some support and advice. It really affects my mental state some days when it’s really bad.. wishing there was a magic solution to make it right!!

Isn't it rubbish! I hope the physio is helpful but ask (nicely) how they trained in gynae physio, when they decided to specialise etc. If they don't seem to be a gynae specialist, give their advice a chance but I would definitely try to find a specialist gynae physio. I had an expensive one-off session with someone like that who used to run a very good NHS service but only dies a bit now to keep her hand in, and it was amazing. Also do you use the Squeezy app and follow Elaine Miller/Gussy Grips on socials?

Been where you are - it can get loads better. It just takes time.

In the interim, can recommend reusable night period pants, or period pants with good coverage. Feels a bit more human than incontinence pads.

Proper specialist physios was life changing for me. Best post natal money I spent was first two specialist private physio appointments.

In the meantime, make sure you stay hydrated, and consider using the pram more than sling. Sling puts extra weight into your pelvic floor and it might benefit from a lighter load while rehab it.