They’re all words that pop into my head when I look at this #flashback pic.
Isla was around 18 months old & Zac 3.
What this photo doesn’t reveal though, despite looking outwardly strong, is the fact that I would actually pee myself. Regularly 🤭
I would pee myself…..
- Lifting heavy weights
- Getting the kids in & out of the car
- Running
- Laughing, coughing, sneezing
You get the picture…….
Despite being fit, looking outwardly strong & working out, the fact is I’d had two babies in quick succession. I wasn’t doing the right types of exercises, and my body paid the price.
I’d heard other women talk about it in a joking way (including a lot of women my mum’s age!), which in some ways made me feel better – knowing this was common and I wasn’t alone. But this, along with embarrassment, stopped me getting help.
The thing that I want you to understand is that whilst incontinence can be common after carrying a baby, it’s NOT normal. And there is SO MUCH you can do about it!
Not long after this photo was taken, I sought out a Women’s Health Physiotherapist in my area- and I stopped pee’ing myself doing all these everyday activities within a month.
Falling pregnant with my third bub- I knew I wanted things to be different this time around.
I knew a hell of a lot more about the pelvic floor than I did in my previous pregnancies and postpartum periods, and yes, I had the luxury of having our program to follow with all of Jade’s workouts 😜
I knew I needed to work out differently this time, and to focus on my core & pelvic floor by doing the right types of exercises.
I kept my pelvic floor strong through pregnancy, and at 13weeks postpartum I have not pee’d myself even once this time around!
I personally feel knowing what to do is half the battle. Having a roadmap to follow that keeps you consistent, that’s the rest!
If you’re pregnant or postpartum, PLEASE make sure you are doing the RIGHT types of exercises to support core and pelvic floor health. Doing the wrong exercises can in fact be so detrimental. Do you really want to be afraid to sneeze in public the rest of your life?!
Check out our FIT FAB MUM program for safe & tailored workouts, nourishing meal plans & recipes, meditations & mindfulness activities for mind health, and a hell of a lot of education for pregnancy, birth & beyond!
