5 Ways to Successfully Manage Postpartum Incontinence 

It isn't easy to concentrate on anything other than your newborn after giving birth. They need someone to feed them, rock them to sleep, and take care of any other necessities that they may require.

With so many distractions, you may not notice how much your body changes after delivery. As your body heals from the effect of childbirth, you may experience minor bladder leaks, uterine bleeding, and other types of incontinence issues. 

According to a 2019 study, one-third of women have urinary incontinence between the second trimester of pregnancy and the first three months after childbirth, so don’t worry, as it's completely normal; you are one of the many women dealing with postpartum incontinence and bladder leakage. Continue reading to know more about how to manage bladder leaks successfully and where to get the best incontinence underwear. 

What Causes Postpartum Incontinence?

The miracle of childbirth can have strange side effects on your body. Your organs adjust as your body prepares for birth, and more pressure is placed on your bladder and pelvic floor muscles, which can cause them to weaken throughout pregnancy.  During childbirth, your pelvic muscles, bones, and ligaments stretch as your baby passes through the vaginal canal. It can take your body six to twelve months to fully recover after giving birth.

During the six to twelve months of recovery, your body undergoes hormonal changes that affect your bladder. Your bladder may experience additional pressure as your uterus contracts to its original size.

This lack of bladder control can occur while laughing, sneezing, coughing, or engaging in physical activity, and it is especially prevalent after giving birth. It is expected that half of all adult women may develop postpartum urine incontinence. Finding the right pair of incontinence pants that is washable and reusable for at least two years is essential. 

5 Ways to Successfully Manage Urinary Incontinence

Here are the five effective tips by SuperBottoms for dealing with postpartum incontinence.

1. Increase Fiber Intake 

Incorporating fiber into your diet can help you avoid constipation after pregnancy, preventing full bowels from putting additional pressure on your bladder, which is essential in managing urinary incontinence. While doing this make sure that you avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, coffee, spicy foods, and refined sugar.

2. Invest in Incontinence Underwear 

Bladder leakage period underwear like SuperBottoms MaxAbsorb Incontinence Underwear is designed to absorb leaks and wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you comfortable.

It comes with a high-waist design that provides full coverage to ladies experiencing incontinence during pregnancy, postpartum (in situations of normal or C-section birth), aging, and other conditions. It is made from 60% quality plant-based (Bamboo) fabric, 35% cotton, and 5% lycra. 

It is considered as one of the best period underwear as it consists of four layers of protection, with the first layer keeping you dry and comfortable while the second and third layers give maximum absorption and ensure zero leaks. While the outer layer keeps you strain-free and clean. It is extremely elastic, soft, breathable, antimicrobial, and completely leak-free.

It has four layers that ensure zero leaks, allowing you to go pad-free.

3. Kegel Exercises 

Kegel exercises are an excellent way to strengthen your pelvic floor during pregnancy and after childbirth. Attempt to complete three sets of ten Kegel exercises daily, holding each squeeze for 10 seconds while standing. (You can also use them as a last line of defense if you need to cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift something heavy.)

4. Train Your Bladder 

It is considered normal to use the restroom every two to three hours. If you have to go frequently, you can try bladder training techniques to regain bladder function. 

Use the restroom every 30 minutes to an hour, then try to increase the time between urination each day. Leakage can also be reduced by emptying your bladder before activities such as exercise.

5. Limit Abdominal Pressure  

To avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dehydration, drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Bottom Line 

Urinary incontinence is common after childbirth. Hormonal and anatomical changes during pregnancy and childbirth generally cause it.

Urinary incontinence usually resolves after the body has recovered from childbirth, but it may last longer in some cases. However, if you have any concerns besides bladder leakage, you should consult a medical professional.