If you’re dealing with postpartum incontinence, know that many mums around the world face this same issue. Many new Australian mums experience bladder control issues after giving birth. Yet nobody talks about it at those antenatal classes, do they?
Ontex Healthcare understands what you’re going through. We have been supporting Australian families with trusted continence solutions since 1979.
In this article, we’ll discuss what’s happening to your body after childbirth. We’ll also cover postpartum recovery challenges and guide you towards the right products and support. Remember, incontinence doesn’t have to control your recovery journey.
Ready? Let’s tackle this together.
What’s Postpartum Incontinence?
Postpartum incontinence is due to the stress that your body has been through during pregnancy.
Your pelvic floor muscles have been under serious stress for the past nine months. Think of them as a hammock that supports your bladder, bowel, and uterus. Now imagine that hammock holding extra weight for months on end.
This is a very common scenario during pregnancy. Your growing baby and expanding uterus press down on these muscles every single day. The constant pressure stretches and weakens them over time. Then you go through the intense experience of birth itself. Your pelvic floor gets put through even more strain, regardless of how your baby arrived.
If you had a vaginal delivery or C-section, your pelvic floor has been working overtime. This explains why you might be experiencing some unexpected changes down there.
So, let’s break down the two main types of incontinence, what to expect for recovery, and why a C-section doesn’t protect you.
The two main types of incontinence you might experience
Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence that new mums face. It happens when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift something. Then the sudden pressure pushes urine through your weakened bladder muscles. Unfortunately, this affects most women dealing with postpartum incontinence.
The second most frequently occurring form of incontinence is known as urge incontinence. This is a bit different from stress incontinence. Urge incontinence creates a different sensation altogether. You get a sudden, intense need to pass urine and might not make it to the toilet in time. Some women experience both stress and urge symptoms, which doctors call mixed incontinence.
Your recovery timeline
Most women notice urine leakage starting within the first few weeks after giving birth. Don’t panic. This is completely normal. Your body needs time to heal, and your muscles need time to regain their strength.
The good thing is that for many women, these symptoms improve significantly within six months. However, some women experience ongoing issues that require professional help. If you’re still having problems after your postpartum checkup, speak with your healthcare professional about treatment options.
Why C-section mums aren’t immune to incontinence
You might think having a C-section protects you from bladder problems. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Pregnancy itself affects your pelvic floor muscles, regardless of how your baby was born.
Vaginal birth does increase your risk, but C-section mums can still experience incontinence during the postpartum period. By the time you reach full term, your muscles have been supporting significant extra weight for months. Even scheduled C-sections don’t guarantee you’ll avoid bladder control issues completely.
The important thing to remember is that incontinence after childbirth is treatable. Your symptoms might be mild or severe, but there are solutions that can help you regain confidence and control over your body.
Beyond Incontinence: The Full Picture of New Mum Health
Bladder problems are just one part of your postpartum recovery story. Your body is dealing with multiple changes at once, and they’re all connected. What affects one area of your health often impacts another, creating a ripple effect throughout your recovery journey.
Let us walk you through the other symptoms you might be experiencing and how they connect to your bladder issues.
What else you might be experiencing:
- Hair loss: Around 2-5 months postpartum, your hair might start falling out in clumps due to falling hormone levels
- Mood changes: Baby blues affect up to 80% of new mums and can make physical symptoms feel worse
- Sleep deprivation: Poor sleep weakens your muscles, including your pelvic floor, making bladder control harder
- Lifestyle restrictions: You’re probably planning routes around toilets and avoiding certain activities
The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
When you’re exhausted and emotionally drained, you’re less likely to do pelvic floor exercises or seek help. This creates a challenging cycle. Thus, physical symptoms make you feel worse mentally, while poor mental health slows your physical recovery.
Why This Affects Your Bladder Control
Many women avoid exercise, social situations, or feel anxious about leaving home due to incontinence concerns. Like skipping that coffee date because you’re worried about accidents. This isolation can worsen both your physical symptoms and mental health.
However, when you address incontinence properly, these other areas improve too. Your confidence returns, your mood lifts, and you start feeling more like yourself.
How to Choose the Right Continence Products
Now that you understand what’s happening to your body, let’s talk about practical solutions. You can choose continence products based on your absorption needs, activity level, and lifestyle. Start with free samples, consider government funding options, and prioritise comfort over price.
But knowing what to look for is one thing, and finding it is another. You might be standing in front of the chemist’s continence aisle feeling lost. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel confused when you don’t know where to start.
Also, different products work for different needs. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll waste money and stay uncomfortable.
Here’s something I’ve learned from helping countless new mums: most women choose products that are either too heavy (causing bulk and discomfort) or too light (leading to embarrassing leaks). So, match your protection level to your daily experience, even if it seems less than you think you need.
Here’s how to find what works for your specific situation.
Understanding absorption levels:
- Light protection: For occasional stress incontinence when you cough or sneeze
- Moderate absorption: Ideal for regular daily protection during normal activities
- Heavy-duty options: Best suited for significant leakage episodes or overnight protection
- Washable alternatives: Check out our Kylie range for comfortable home use (especially great for protecting your mattress)
How To Select The Right Continence Products
Start with free samples before committing to full packs (nobody wants a cupboard full of products that don’t work). This approach saves money and helps you find the right fit quickly. To get started with sampling, Ontex Healthcare offers healthcare professionals access to up to 40 free samples across their range.
Once you’ve tested a few options, your activity level should guide your final product choice. If you’re chasing toddlers or returning to exercise, you’ll need different protection than if you’re mostly at home. Consider your daily routine and choose products that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Financial support is available
You don’t have to fund this recovery journey alone. The Continence Aids Payment Scheme provides up to $717.10 annually for eligible Australians. Also, DVA support is available for veterans and families, while NDIS coverage applies for qualifying conditions.
Focus on quality and comfort
Investing in quality continence products saves you money long-term. It’s because cheaper options often mean more frequent changes, skin irritation, and reduced confidence. This is why Ontex Healthcare’s iD, Lille, and Kylie ranges are designed specifically for reliable, comfortable protection.
Remember, the right product should feel invisible in your daily life. If you’re constantly thinking about leaks or discomfort, it’s time to try something different.
Your Recovery Journey Starts Now
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. The sooner you take action, the faster you’ll start feeling like yourself again.
Start with one change, whether it’s trying pelvic floor exercises, getting free product samples, or booking that overdue chat with your GP. Remember, every step forward counts in your recovery journey.
As you take these steps forward, know that you have support available. Ontex Healthcare understands the challenges you’re facing as an Australian mum. Their trusted continence solutions, combined with government support schemes and professional guidance, give you the tools you need to reclaim your confidence.
Most importantly, you deserve support, comfort, and hope. Your recovery story is still being written, and the next chapter can be so much brighter.
