You're Not Alone: Survey Shows New Mothers Aren't Well-Prepared for Postpartum Incontinence

Bladder control supplies are used to absorb urine leakage. The type of incontinence product you'll need will depend on your level of leakage, but you may qualify to receive certain supplies through your Medicaid or other insurance plan. These include:

• Bladder control pads: Bladder control pads are very similar to menstrual pads, making them easy to change and carry with you.
• Women's pull-ons: Women's pull-ons (protective underwear) are discreet incontinence underwear with tab-style closures and can absorb more leakage than bladder control pads.
• Adult briefs: Adult briefs are typically unisex but are excellent choices for postpartum women experiencing heavy or overnight leakage.
• Underpads (chux): Underpads protect furniture, bedding, mattresses, and even car seats from heavy leakage.

On top of having high-quality bladder control products, you don't have to worry about the cost of these items, as they may be covered through insurance with Aeroflow Urology. We can provide support for all of your continence care needs. Simply use our secure Eligibility Form to check your coverage for free supplies, and we will take care of the rest so you can focus on your new baby.

When you're physically able, daily Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. You can perform pelvic floor exercises by squeezing and holding your pelvic muscles for about 10 seconds.

You can even get a personal trainer for your pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in pelvic floor disorders, especially prenatal and postpartum. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is an excellent resource for pelvic floor muscle training with a physical therapist. 

You can make many small changes to your daily routine to relieve unwanted stress on the bladder.

• Clean up your diet. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables that are full of fiber. Avoid bladder irritants like coffee, caffeine, spicy foods, and refined sugar.
• Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dehydration.
• Keep weight within a healthy normal. We aren't suggesting you lose all of your baby weight right after you give birth, but try to return to a healthy weight, whatever that may look like for you, as this is another way to relieve pressure on your bladder.
• Limit abdominal pressure. Limiting pressure on your abdomen can also lessen the pressure on your bladder. This can decrease the amount of "stress" on the bladder, which can help prevent leakage.
• Avoid nicotine. Nicotine directly affects the muscles and lining of the bladder, and chronic coughing from smoking cigarettes can cause increased stress on the bladder, which can prolong the prevalence of incontinence symptoms.

Using the restroom every two to three hours is considered normal. If you have to go frequently, you can try bladder training or timed voiding techniques to regain the proper function of your bladder.

Use the bathroom every 30 minutes to an hour, then try to extend the time between urinations each day. Emptying your bladder before activities, including exercising, can also help limit leakage.

If you're experiencing symptoms of stress incontinence, you should speak with your healthcare provider to rule out more severe conditions and causes to help develop an effective treatment plan. Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can also help you regain the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

You may need temporary assistance from incontinence medication or support devices to help relax your bladder and control urine flow. Some devices, such as a pessary, can be placed in the vagina to support the bladder and rectum and help the bladder fully empty. This device can also be used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Other devices like bladder slings may also be surgically inserted to treat incontinence symptoms.

In the meantime, try not to worry about a little loss of urine. With protective incontinence products, you can continue to enjoy bonding with your baby. After you've fully recovered from giving birth, speak with your healthcare provider about your urinary incontinence and begin taking steps to regain control of your bladder.

Can't leave the house to visit a pelvic floor therapist? Try an online therapist! Telehealth is making a significant impact in the healthcare industry, allowing people to have access to almost any type of appointment online through their computer or phone lenses.

Sign up for virtual pelvic floor therapy classes or find a private therapist online. This way, you won't have to take your newborn to your appointment or find a babysitter. 

Sitting exercises are great for the first four to six weeks postpartum. Here's how to do them:

1. Sit on an exercise ball with your baby.
2. Roll your hips to engage your core and strengthen your hips.
3. While holding your baby, squeeze a ball between your knees.

Sitting exercises aren't all you can do with your baby. You can do these other exercises during the day while your little one has some tummy time!

• Hip bridges.
• Clamshell exercises.
• Reverse clamshell exercises.
• Modified squats (only after four to six weeks when your uterus returns to its normal size).
• Yoga and stretching.

Another option is to lay on the ground, hold your baby in your hands, and use them as weights for chest-press-type exercises. This may sound odd, but it really works!

Many online support groups exist for new moms and people managing incontinence in local areas. A support group can help you in tough times when you can't get out of the house with your baby.

Don't lean too much to one side or cross your legs when you're feeding your baby. This can cause core and pelvis concerns. Try to sit on both sides evenly so your core can engage properly.

One of the biggest hurdles for many women is the cost of managing incontinence. That's where Aeroflow Urology steps in. If you qualify, we can help you access high-quality bladder control supplies, like pads and protective underwear, at no cost to you through your insurance plan.

Whether you have Medicaid or private insurance, we'll handle the paperwork and ensure you receive discreet monthly deliveries of the products you need delivered to your door every month.

Our commitment goes beyond providing products. We understand that postpartum incontinence affects more than just physical symptoms; it also affects emotional well-being. That's why we've launched our Postpartum Incontinence campaign, a dedicated resource hub filled with information, advice, and support for new moms.

Here's how Aeroflow Urology can make a difference:

• Fill out our Eligibility Form: Submit your insurance information to quickly determine if you qualify for free incontinence supplies through insurance.
• Explore our resources: Access articles, guides, and tips on managing postpartum incontinence on the Postpartum Incontinence campaign hub.
• Connect with our experts: Once you qualify with us, our Continuity Care Specialists are available to answer your questions and provide personalized support.
• Connect with us on social media: Our Adult Facebook Support Group and Instagram are excellent resources for connecting with others experiencing postpartum incontinence and easily accessing tips and advice on managing symptoms.

We know it can be tough to reach out for help, but taking that first step is often the hardest. Aeroflow Urology provides the support, resources, and supplies you need to regain control and confidence. You are not alone on this journey.