Just something that happens. Doesn't it seem strange that after baby we are just supposed to think its normal to have to cross our legs when we sneeze or be careful not to laugh too hard? YES! This may be something that we think of as normal but it is just something that is common. It should not be common and it can be helped.
There are different types of Incontinence - or having to relieve yourself immediately. First, there is urge incontinence, which is the sudden need to relieve yourself. Usually it is something that our minds connect to having to use the washroom. This can be putting our key in the front door or taking a shower. It may not be something we even realize.
The other type, is stress incontinence. This one is very common after baby and is the reason we cross our legs to sneeze.
Stress incontinence is something that is not talked about enough. It is not something that we should pretend does not happen. It is very real and can be helped. Many of us would think that after baby our pelvic floor muscles must be too weak. They must have been stretched and now unable to keep in those leaks. Although, it is actually the opposite in many cases. Just like any other muscle or muscle group, our pelvic floor can get too tight as well. Of course in some cases it can be hard because much of it can be internal. In this case, seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist is necessary. There are so many easy exercises, stretches and breathing techniques that can be used to aid in this problem.
I always wondered why we live with this issue for so long. If this was any other part of our body, would we act the same way? If our shoulder was so tight we could not move it, we would not just live with it. The same should be about our pelvic floor. Its time we changed this.